Concerns have surfaced over the proposed name of a new special needs school in Gloucester, leading to calls for students to have a voice in naming the institution.
The planned 200-pupil school at Wheatridge East in Abbeydale received approval in November last year and is set to open in January 2027. It will serve children aged four to 16 with moderate and additional learning difficulties, including autism, speech, language, and communication needs.
Funded by Gloucestershire County Council with a £16.5 million budget approved in 2023, the new facility represents a significant investment in specialized education.
However, during a recent council meeting, County Councillor Andrew Gravells (C, Abbeydale) raised objections from the local community concerning the school’s current proposed name: Gloucestershire Academy for Inspirational Learning (GAIL).
Councillor Gravells, who championed the project, expressed enthusiasm for the school’s development but said the chosen name “doesn’t trip off the tongue” and has not been well received locally. He urged the trust responsible for the school to consult directly with young people to gain their input on the naming.
“It would be an excellent exercise to involve the students and reassure the community that their voices are heard,” Gravells emphasized. “The current name feels cumbersome and disconnected, especially since other similar academies use different naming conventions. It’s important we give children the opportunity to contribute.”
Tom Leverage, CEO of Reach South Academy Trust, explained that the name was selected to embody the school’s joyful, aspirational ethos, celebrating inspiration and inclusion—core values of Reach South.
“Our naming process involved extensive consultation with over 300 stakeholders including the local authority, residents, building partners, and educational institutions to ensure the school reflects the community’s values,” Leverage said.
He added that the trust is now focused on recruiting an outstanding headteacher to lead GAIL from its opening in 2027, fostering an inclusive environment designed to help every child with additional learning needs reach their full potential.
As the debate continues, the community awaits a decision on whether the school’s name will evolve to better resonate with the young people it will serve.