'Taking my name off school won't solve its issues'

Former Reading FC owner John Madejski has said changing the name of a school originally named in his honour will "not solve any of its problems".

Hundreds of people have signed a petition opposing plans to change the John Madejski Academy in Whitley to Hartland High School from September.

Sir John donated £3m towards the school's opening in 2010.

The Greenshaw Learning Trust, which took control of the school in January, said change was important to show how it was turning things round, as the academy was rated "inadequate" by regulator Ofsted in 2023.

This is the school's fourth name change. It replaced Thames Bridge College, which was branded a failing school in 1998 and put into special measures. Prior to that was Ashmead School.

Sir John said he wished the new trust well, but "the name-change is not what it should be concentrating on".

He said: "It is not about me, it is about the school and about the kids.

"However, having said that, I really think that the money could have been spent better, you know on education."

The exact amount to change the name has not been specified by the trust.

Sir John said: "The trust needs to concentrate on improving the schooling.

"You know if the Greenshaw Learning Trust can get it right, they will be recognised for that anyway.

"So, to change the name again, I think is a shame and bit unfortunate but you know what? I wish them every success."

Greenshaw Learning Trust said it was "committed to turning things around".

It added the renaming marked a "significant and symbolic step forward in the journey of ongoing school improvement".

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