John Willmott School begins consultation on ‘Royal’ name change proposals

A Sutton Coldfield school has launched a consultation with parents, students, staff and the community on the next stage of a new era which would bring a new uniform and logo – and a Royal name.

Since the end of lockdown, John Willmott School, in Reddicap Heath Road, has unveiled a number of schemes aimed at raising students’ aspirations and building spirit within the school.

The school, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), has launched a set of new character virtues and worked to develop behaviour and pastoral systems, while also evolving the  curriculum.

Now a consultation has been launched into the next stage of the school’s rebirth, with a potential change of name to ‘The Royal Sutton School’.

Headteacher Nicola Gould explained: “In January 2022, to reset the expectations of the school community, we readopted the original school motto, ‘Potential into Reality’.  Since then, to ensure we are doing everything we can to meet the needs of our students, we are systematically considering and reviewing every aspect of life at school and, in doing so, are considering the school’s history and ethos. 

“The change in name will put a strong focus on the school’s exciting future, amplify the improvements we are making and put the school in a stronger standing within the local area, which will in turn support our continual improvement. 

“It is our aim to be the school of choice within the Sutton area.”

As well as a new name, the school is consulting on plans to change the logo and adopt a new, more accessible uniform.

Mrs Gould said: “Under the plans, the new school uniform will be navy blue. Our current uniform is now outdated and causing some supply issues, so this colour would improve access and availability of items. Of course, we are deeply conscious of the fact that times are difficult financially and will work with suppliers to keep items and costs to a minimum.”

Mrs Gould added that, within the proposals, the school would work with the ATLP in relation to the new uniform to ensure there is no additional cost to families and carers.

The new logo will feature a stag’s head – which was included in the original John Willmott badge – and will be based around the colours of the Tudor Rose – the traditional emblem of Royal Sutton Coldfield.

The school was originally founded in 1958 as Sutton Coldfield County Grammar School and was renamed in honour of John Edward Willmott – a much-respected local figure – in 1975.

Mrs Gould said that, if the name change were to go ahead, plans were in place to ensure that the Willmott association lived on.

She said: “We are keen not to forget Mr Willmott and his service to the local community, so we would reinstate the tradition of awarding two prizes annually to students who excel in character and conduct, something that was valued by the late Mr Willmott.

“And we also propose to name the newly-refurbished school library after him, which would reflect his 38-year service to Sutton Coldfield Council and role as Chair of the Libraries Committee from 1913 to 1931.”

Now the school is urging local people to have their say on the plans, so that the trustees of ATLP can make an informed decision.

An online survey has been launched, which outlines all of the proposals in detail and asks for feedback.

Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell is urging people to have their say.

He said: “John Willmott is entering an exciting new era, with all kinds of impressive efforts to instil values, engage with the community and raise students’ aspirations.

“There is a real sense of positive change within the school and I think the idea that it could become the first Sutton Coldfield school to proudly include the town’s ancient Royal status in its name is a wonderful suggestion.

“I know local people are very proud of this Royal status, which is why I campaigned to ensure that local people and organisations can use it. So, I’m delighted to hear that it could play such an important part in John Willmott’s new era.

“However, I think it’s also vital that a proper consultation is carried out and would urge everyone to have their say on these exciting plans.”

Birmingham City councillor for Reddicap, Cllr Richard Parkin, echoed Mr Mitchell’s views.

He said: “These proposals are very exciting and show the level of ambition at John Willmott to raise aspirations. However, I think it’s vital that there is a proper consultation on them before any decisions are made and I would urge people to get involved.

“It’s very easy – I have had my say and contributed my opinion. I think, for instance, that the school should consider using the town’s full name – ‘Royal Sutton Coldfield’, rather than just ‘Royal Sutton’.

“That’s the point of a proper consultation, to make sure everyone gets an opportunity to share their thoughts. I have been very impressed with how the school has gone about drawing up these plans and I know they will listen to all opinions.”

To fill in the online survey, visit https://forms.office.com/e/yQkSmqnf53. The closing date for contributions is Monday, April 17.

Picture: John Willmott School Headteacher Nicola Gould with members of the student leadership team displaying the proposed new school name and logo.