School children to be joined by the Duke of Northumberland, Archdeacon of Lindisfarne and Mayor of Alnwick as they celebrate the renaming of 177 year old primary school in Alnwick.
A primary school which has served Alnwick for over 177 years is celebrating its new name in three days of celebration, culminating in a renaming ceremony attended by His Grace the Duke of Northumberland and other special guests including the Mayor of Alnwick and the Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, as well as the entire school community, at 2pm on 16th October.
The school, part of Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust and formerly called St Michael’s, is being renamed NCEA Harry Hotspur C of E Primary School. Harry Hotspur was a nickname given to Sir Henry Percy, eldest son of Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland, as tribute to his speed and bravery in battle.
Pupils will spend two days at Alnwick Castle learning about Harry Hotspur and preparing a range of crafts, such as making their own shields and collages, as well as learning songs and creative writing about Harry Hotspur. They will showcase these at the renaming event, where the school’s popular Ceilidh Band will also perform.
The Duke of Northumberland will make a speech about the history of the school and the legacy of Harry Hotspur, followed by the unveiling of the school’s glass plaque, where the Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, the Venerable Catherine Sourbut Groves will bless the new name. The Interim Diocesan Director of Education Gill Booth will also be in attendance.
Quotes
Mr Gavin Johnston, Headteacher of NCEA Harry Hotspur C of E Primary, said:
“The school has a rich history linked to both the Diocese and the Duke of Northumberland, so the name change reflects a celebration of these links and a new future. Since becoming a primary school and joining an established Multi Academy Trust, we felt that it was great opportunity to refresh and let more people know what a great school we have. Our Church of England foundation and links to St Michael’s Parish Church are very important to us and will remain, as this is what makes our school so special.”
“The children have been very excited to learn about the links our school has to the local history of the town and we are all excited to be a part of the school’s new chapter moving forwards. It is also an opportunity for us to say thank you to the Duke for his kind support so that we were able to provide all of our pupils with the new school uniform at no cost to our families.”
Alan Hardie, CEO, Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust said:
“The Duke of Northumberland’s Charity and the Diocese of Newcastle were the two original co-sponsors of the trust, so we are delighted that the Duke will lead the renaming and that the Archdeacon will bless the new name. The 4th Duke of Northumberland supported the Church of England with setting up the original school in 1847, so it is very apt that we’re are celebrating the long standing links. We are delighted to have Harry Hotspur C of E Primary School as part of NCEAT and we look forward to its bright future, building on its illustrious past and recent ‘Good’ OFSTED judgement. Involving the pupils in choosing the new school name, designing the badge and now their exciting work for the renaming ceremony have provided fantastic learning opportunities for them.”