Edward Colston: Bristol school votes to change name

The chair of trustees said Colston's Girls' School would be "forging a new identity"

A school named after the 17th Century slave trader Edward Colston has voted to change its name.

Colston's Girls' School in Bristol said 75% of staff and students were in favour of it after a consultation.

A statue of Colston was removed from the school in June after another statue of him was thrown into Bristol's harbour during an anti-racism protest.

Students will now compile a list of potential names and the chosen one will be announced by the end of the month.

Gail Bragg, the chair of trustees of the Venturers Trust, which runs a number of academy schools, said: "We will not be erasing the history of Colston's Girls' School, it is a part of Bristol's story which is now an integral and permanent part of the curriculum.

"However, the school will be forging a new identity that represents its diverse and inclusive community and this is the momentous beginning of a new chapter."

The trust said in a separate public survey 68% of people voted to keep the name, but the board agreed to change the name following "a very clear result from the school community vote".

A statue of Colston was removed from the school in June

The girls' school was opened in 1891, 170 years after Colston's death, and was funded through a financial endowment from the slave trader.

Principal Kerry McCullagh said: "Students have learnt so much about the democratic process and have expanded their own opinions by talking and listening to such a wide range of people.

"I am particularly impressed by the way in which all opinions were genuinely welcomed so that those who expressed a desire to keep the school's name were able to do so without worrying that others might judge them."

A spokesperson said the Venturers Trust board would review the suggestions before a new name is revealed.

The city's former Colston Hall music venue announced last month it had changed its name to Bristol Beacon.