School welcomes back pupils after name change row

Sir John Madejski has said he wishes the school well but that the rebrand was "not what it should be concentrating on"

A school is welcoming back pupils for the new term after changing its name from one that honoured benefactor Sir John Madejski - despite about 1,400 people opposing the move.

Hartland High School in Reading had been known as the John Madejski Academy after the former Reading FC owner and businessman, who donated £3m to the school before it opened in 2010.

It was rated "inadequate" by Ofsted in 2023, leading to the Greenshaw Learning Trust, which took over the school in January, saying a name change would be a "significant and symbolic step forward".

Sir John has said he wishes the school well but that the rebrand was "not what it should be concentrating on".

Sir John Madejski donated £3m to the school ahead of it opening in 2010

He told BBC Radio Berkshire in June: "It is not about me, it is about the school and about the kids.

"However, having said that, I really think that the money could have been spent better - you know, on education."

Former Conservative MP for Reading West Rob Wilson set up a petition calling for the change to be reversed and said it was "disappointing" to see a sign with the school's new name put up outside.

However, the trust has stuck to its decision after committing to "turning things around" for the school.