The Royal Sutton School: A ‘reborn’ Sutton Coldfield school which has been on mission to drive up standards and instill pride has crowned its new era with a right Royal rebranding.
This month excited students proudly wore their new uniforms as they returned to the newly renamed Royal Sutton School – which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership – to find the site revitalised by colourful new branding.
The site’s royal rebranding was completed over the summer holidays, meaning students at the former John Willmott School returned to an entirely new atmosphere.
Headteacher Nicola Gould said: “Not only are we the first school in Sutton to adopt the Royal name, we’ve also adopted the royal colours from the Tudor rose.
“It’s created a really positive new outlook for the school and reflects how we have been working to raise aspirations among the children, and enthuse the staff.
“It has been a long journey, but it has been wonderful to come back to school this September and see the changes, and sense the difference it has made to everyone. There is a real buzz around the place.”
New era for the Royal Sutton School instills pride in students
Dressed smartly in new navy blue uniforms, the students described feeling a sense of pride and professionalism.
Adam, 13, said: “I’ve been here just over two years. The school has changed a lot for the better. Now it’s the Royal Sutton School, it has a chance to grow and become the best school in Sutton – and I think it can do that.”
Fourteen-year-old Becky said: “It was really different on the first day back! It felt almost like I’d moved to another school. The whole change made me feel like it’s a fresh start. It’s changed the way I think about the school.”
Fourteen -year-old Haleema said: “I really like the uniform – navy blue is a really classy colour, and my favourite colour! I had to practice tying my tie over summer, but I’ve got the hang of it now!”
The school’s newest cohort of Year 7 pupils echo the older students’ enthusiasm for the change, and have enjoyed settling into the refreshed school over a staggered induction week. Year 7 started school three days before its official opening, with Year 11 following the day after.
Eleven-year-old Bianca said: “I definitely felt supported on induction day. We were given a tour around the school, and the staff helped us get used to the setting. It was fun to meet everyone.
“I really like the uniform, the colours are lovely and it makes me feel presentable and ambitious. It’s more fun being in secondary school because you get more independence. I’m loving it so far.”
The Royal Sutton School rebrand is part of a journey of improvement that has also seen the school readopt its original motto of ‘Potential into Reality’. A remodelled library has been named in honour of John Willmott, the local leader who the school was originally named after.
Elsewhere at the school, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), a revised curriculum is delivering results in the classroom, while innovative ‘Moral Virtues’ are improving behaviour and instilling a sense of pride in the students.
Last year, the changes resulted in the school getting first-ever Good Ofsted report, which was described by Mrs Gould as a ‘pivotal moment’ in its history.
A group of Year 7 students, all aged 11, shared their thoughts on the Royal Sutton School’s new uniform and image, as well as their experience starting secondary school.
Ana said: “I really like the uniform, it’s very comfortable and I like the logo.”
Maja said: “The uniform is really elegant and smart-looking. It’s really professional and I like the tie, with its three different colours. It suits the Royal Sutton School name.”
Hayden said: “The uniform is nice, and I really enjoy all the new lessons I didn’t learn in primary school.”
Ruby said: “Everyone has the new uniforms now, they’re really nice. I like the new school name too.”
Lewie said: “I’ve still not learned properly to tie a tie, but I’m getting used to it! The uniform is comfortable and smart, and we’ve been learning about the history of the school name.”
Anas said: “It’s been very welcoming because the teachers have been so helpful. It feels more entertaining and expressive here.”
According to Mrs Gould, said she has been pleased with the schoolwide enthusiasm for the rebranding.
She said: “It’s great to hear the students are associating the colours and uniform with excellence, and that they’re stepping up to model that in their everyday actions. Even the staff have stepped up to meet our new school ethos.
“Everybody has been keeping their profile all day. We have a rule that blazers must be worn in the corridors, and the students are holding to it very well. People walk with pride and unity. It’s allowing us to have a sense of collective belonging through uniform.
“It’s a great step towards creating our community of belonging.”