A school named after Prince Andrew is set for a major rebranding as staff seek a less “controversial” name. Leaders of Prince Andrew School – the only secondary school on the remote British overseas territory of St Helena – have asked pupils to put forward ideas for a more “neutral” name.
The decision, they have said, stems from “recent public controversy” and “negative media coverage” involving the Duke of York. The school, situated on an island renowned for its local history, including its links to Napoleon Bonaparte, has taken the extraordinary step after considering how certain associations with the past “impact the present and future”.
And the government of St Helena said it has received the blessing of Buckingham Palace itself to do so. Tiny St Helena, which is home to just 4,000 people, sits in the South Atlantic Ocean some 1,165 miles west of mainland Africa, and has a population of around 4,000.
It is known for being the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s second period of exile after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Head teacher Phil Toal said that while the school has a healthy respect for history, it is important for it to sever “controversial ties” and allow pupils to make their own imprint.
He said: “While we respect history, we must also be mindful of how past associations impact the present and future.”
The school stated: “Choosing a new name allows us to honour the contributions of our students and community without the burden of controversial ties.”
The institution, which was named after Prince Andrew and opened in 1989, is situated in a woodland area with stunning views of James Bay.
A new name is expected to be chosen by the end of February and will be introduced at the start of the next academic year in September, the Mirror reports.
According to the school’s announcement: “The school believes this change is a crucial step in ensuring its name embodies the values, aspirations, and identity of its students and the wider community.
“The decision to rename the school stems from several factors, including recent public controversy and negative media coverage. The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations.”
Prince Andrew’s popularity declined following the 2019 controversy surrounding his friendship with convicted US billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He stepped down from his public role and paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met.
The 64-year-old duke made headlines again last year after a High Court hearing revealed alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK, was said to have been a “close” confidant.
