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Colchester school renamed to recognise connection to historic church

Colchester school renamed to recognise connection to historic church

Yahoo27-07-2025
A COLCHESTER primary school has been renamed to recognise its historic connection to a city centre church.
St James Church of England Primary School in Guildford Road has changed its name to St James the Great C of England Primary School.
The name change recognises the 'longstanding partnership' between the school and its parish church, St James the Great in East Street.
A special ceremony was held on July 9 at St James the Great Church being led by Father Jeff Graham who brought together the entire school community in celebration.
Readings - Special readings were performed by pupils (Image: Chris Douglas – CD Photography) Children from the school played a central role, and there was also readings and a retelling of the story of St James.
The name change also follows a year of significant achievement for the school, including a positive Ofsted outcome.
Leadership - (L to R) Headteacher Nicola Emrich, Father Jeff Graham, and Headteacher Lucy Turner (Image: Chris Douglas – CD Photography) Emma Wigmore, chief executive of Vine Schools Trust, said: 'It has been a wonderful year for St James after a great Ofsted outcome earlier in the year.
'It is the ideal time to begin a new chapter as the school becomes St James the Great C of E Primary School, just like their partnered church and patron saint.'
Headteachers Nicola Emrich and Lucy Turner added: 'It marks an exciting new era for our pupils, families, and staff, strengthening the link between the school, the church, and the wider community of Colchester.'
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