THE Queen s School in Wisbech will start the new school year in September with a new name, a new identity and a new uniform. The Queen s School will officially close on 31 August this year, to be opened the following day as Thomas Clarkson Community Colle

THE Queen's School in Wisbech will start the new school year in September with a new name, a new identity and a new uniform.

The Queen's School will officially close on 31 August this year, to be opened the following day as Thomas Clarkson Community College.

Thomas Clarkson was one of the foremost campaigners against slavery in Britain. Born in Wisbech in 1760, he went to the town's former grammar school, where his father was headmaster.

Pupils will celebrate the school's new start with a new uniform - white polo shirt, a sweatshirt featuring the school's new logo, black trousers and black shoes. The colour of the sweatshirt will be decided by the school in due course.

The name of the school and the design of its uniform were chosen by the Shadow Governing Body after extensive consultation with staff, pupils, their parents and the community.

The new school will re-open under the Government's Fresh Start scheme. It will cater for 1500 boys and girls aged 11 to 16 years and will be situated in the same buildings and on the same site as the current school on Corporation Road in Wisbech. Post 16 education taught at the school in conjunction with the College of West Anglia will continue.

John Bennett, headteacher designate of the new school, said: "This is an exciting time for the school and the community it serves. Many challenges lie ahead, but I am confident that with a new name and identity, everyone involved will rise to those challenges and provide the education which the children and young people of Wisbech expect and deserve.