Parents fear that re-branding a secondary school will take away its identity as well as leaving them out of pocket as they are forced to shell out for new uniforms.
Heaton Manor School announced it would change its name to Jesmond Park Academy in a letter sent to parents in May - leaving many feeling they were given little say in the plans.
The school was opened in 1928 King George V and Queen Mary visited Newcastle for the official opening of the Tyne Bridge.
Parent Robert Thompson fears the new name ‘will take away the history’ of the school.
He said: “The Heaton school name has survived a world war, our parents and grandparents attended the Heaton school and the Heaton name is part of our community’s identity.”
One former pupil said: “It's not in Jesmond, it's in Heaton. There has been a school on that site with Heaton in its name since 1928. I strongly object to this change of name.”
It is hoped the re-branding will help give the school a 'fresh start' after it was graded ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted in 2017 following the sudden departure of its head teacher.
Gosforth Federated Academies will be taking over the running of the school as part of the move.
George Snaith, chairman of trustees at Gosforth Federated Academies, said: “The Heaton Manor site has had Jesmond Park West as its postal address going back to 1928 and has long been known as the Jesmond site, so it seemed appropriate to adopt Jesmond Park Academy as the new name.”
“We hope that everyone comes to embrace the new name in time, which represents a fresh start for the school on its journey to being outstanding.”
As part of the re-brand Heaton Manor will provide pupils with five items of uniform to help cut costs facing parents but parents believe the gesture isn't enough.
A parent said: “My daughter has only been there for one year so last summer we had to buy her a full set of uniform. She has 12 pieces of logoed uniform which consists of six blouses, four sweat shirts and two PE tops.”
Parents have argued the existing uniforms bought for the school year are in good condition and instead pupils should be provided with sew-on logos but they were told a decision had been taken at an 'academic level'.
“The school is giving each pupil five pieces of uniform free but two of these are new pieces of uniform (a school coat and a school micro fleece), so they are really only replacing three items; one polo shirt, one sweatshirt and one PE top."
"So parents are going to have to replace the rest themselves.” said parent, Robert Thompson
Grandparent, Barbara Jane, added: “It’s all well and good getting one of everything but you still have to match it with at least two sets and those who would have handed stuff down to the next child can no longer do this”
Heaton Manor has announced it will run a collection on the last day of term for any pupils wishing to donate old uniforms to LightForce International, a charity which supports the provision of uniform to school children in low income countries.
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