Plans to rename the 139-year-old Marling School as part of a proposed merger with academy trust Lift Schools have been abandoned following strong opposition from students, parents, alumni, and the wider Stroud community.
The proposal, which would have seen the school rebranded as “Lift Marling,” sparked significant concern over the loss of identity and heritage associated with one of Gloucestershire’s oldest grammar schools. More than 2,700 people signed a petition urging decision-makers to retain the Marling name, arguing it should not be “diluted” to promote a trust brand.
Following the consultation process, the renaming proposal has now been dropped.
Duncan Cook, CEO of Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust, told Stroud Times: “For pupils, families and the wider community, Marling will continue to be known as Marling School.
“Lift has confirmed that Marling’s visual identity will be retained, including its logo, signage, uniform and wider branding.
“The “Lift” prefix will be used primarily where required for legal, regulatory or operational purposes, such as the legal entity name and certain systems including website and email domains. Lift recognises the importance of preserving Marling’s identity and heritage.
“Lift applies a consistent legal naming approach across its schools, and typically historic legal names are not retained.
“However, following feedback during consultation, Lift revised its original proposal and has committed to retaining Marling’s established identity for everyday use.
“Lift has also confirmed that Marling will remain a selective grammar school and will continue to work collaboratively with other Gloucestershire grammar schools.
“Lift has also confirmed with UCAS and exam boards that the school can continue to operate under the name Marling School in practice.”
The other three schools run by the trust are Berkeley Primary School, Callowell Primary School and Cam Woodfield Junior School.
