School opts for new name after ditching connection with slave trader Francis Drake

A primary school named after the explorer Sir Francis Drake has renounced its links due to his connection to the slave trade. 

The Sir Francis Drake Primary School in Scawen Road, Deptford, has decided to rename itself Twin Oaks Primary following a consultation with parents, staff, pupils and local residents. 

Sir Francis Drake, knighted in Deptford in 1581, helped repel the Spanish invasion of England in 1588 and also became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. 

But Drake drifted into piracy and was also one of the earliest exponents of the slave trade, bringing African men and women to work in the English colonies of North America in the 16th century. 

The school’s new name is based on the oak trees guarding the school entrance, and was originally suggested by pupils. 

The links associated with the school’s former name had been “at odds” with its values, according to its governing body, which decided to sound out views on a name change. 

The school is launching a competition for pupils to design a new logo. 

Headteacher Karen Cartwright said she was “thrilled” pupils had been able to play such a “central role in this renaming process” and said it would be “an exciting new chapter”.

In a letter to parents, she said costs would be kept to a minimum, adding pupils would be able to continue wearing their current uniform until they outgrew it, and that non-branded jumpers could still be worn. 

The school appears to be sensitive to media interest in the name change.

The South London Press enquired about the history of the soon-to-be-ditched name and was refused answers.

Pictured top: Sir Francis Drake Primary (Picture: Google Street View)