WHAT’S in a name?

In fact, quite a lot. There is history, significance, statement and, as such, the name of Colchester’s soon to be newest school matters.

The former Alderman Blaxill School in Colchester is set to be demolished.

On its site, a new school is to be built to provide secondary education to youngsters living in Shrub End.

But now debate is rampant over the name of that new school.

Some believe it is time for a fresh start, a new beginning and, as such, the Alderman Blaxill title should be left behind.

But for others, ignoring the rich history of the school which was named after the former Colchester mayor and educationalist, Alderman Edwin Alec Blaxill, would be a step too far.

One person with this view is former pupil and teacher Graham McAndrew.

He said: “I only have fantastic memories of that school.

“There were some brilliant teachers. My art teacher was able to get every one of her classes, each year, through their A level exams.

“Mr Dent, who was the headteacher at the time, was an inspiring man.

“I have got quite vivid memories as it was a tremendous school. I was a bit of a cheeky chappy but they did see me in a bit of a precocious way because I always had a bit of flair.”

Mr McAndrew spent five years at Alderman Blaxill School as a student in the late Sixties and early Seventies.

At the time, the school was popular and had well over 900 pupils. He would eventually leave in 1972 as he continued his education elsewhere.

He studied Interdisciplinary Human Studies at Bradford Univeristy and went on to a career in teaching.

The supply teacher worked in Bradford, Leeds and Huddersfield before he returned to Colchester in 1996 where he has remained.

He added: “I have worked in most schools in Colchester.

“You name a school and I have probably worked there at some point.”

Mr McAndrew returned to Alderman Blaxill School in 2010 but its days were numbered due to falling school roles. His return provoked vivid memories.

He said: “I couldn’t stay in the classrooms for too long as ghosts of teachers would appear because my memories were so vivid. Almost too vivid at times.

“The ethos had changed as it was a school set up for children with behavioural problems and learning disabilities.

“It did make me realise though that this was real type of work I enjoyed. I had accidentally found my purpose as a teacher.

“I approved of what they were trying to do. But they were fighting against a lack of understanding from a variety of sources.”

Mr McAndrew’s loyalty to his former school is unwavering and having left prior to its closure in 2013, he confesses he was disappointed to see it shut.

He said: “I felt great sadness when it closed. I think it was held in high regard by most of the population in Shrub End.”

While the school closed, campaigns to retain the building for education and community use continued and Essex County Council has now officially unveiled plans to build a new secondary school on the site in Paxman Avenue.

But what will it be called?

It is a cause some believe is worth fighting for and for Mr McAndrew, it is one close to his heart.

He said: “I am happy with the progress that will inevitably be made at the new school but I don’t want the name to change.

“There is a legacy there. People know it to be Alderman Blaxill so why should that change?

“It ties the school to a famous name.”

Final plans have yet to be submitted for planning permission but project developers are hoping work can begin on the new school in the spring with a view to it being complete and ready in time for the new academic year starting September 2019.

So can Mr McAndrew see himself making another comeback to the his former school?

He said: “I see myself working until my late sixties so why not return?

“I would love to teach there again, it would make me very proud. I would relish it.”