A school academy has ignored overwhelming objections from parents and changed the name of a village primary.

From September, Hersden Primary School will be known as the Water Meadows Primary School, which families say is an insult to the village.

The decision follows a survey of parents, pupils and villagers on the name change, conducted by the Stour Academy Trust.

But the trust told KentOnline this week it could not reveal the results of the online consultation - because it had already deleted them from its systems.

Parents believe the trust was determined to change the school name because it is “ashamed” of the village’s once-poor reputation and wants to attract pupils from huge new housing developments.

Earlier this year it was given its first outstanding grades from inspectors.

But bosses insists the new name and logo reflects the ongoing expansion of the school as well as its mining heritage.

'I can't think of a village school which doesn't have its name in the title...' - Sarah Robinson

Its survey on a potential name change sparked a petition from angry parents.

Mum Sarah Robinson is a newly-elected parish councillor and has three children at the school.

“It’s just a slap in the face and an insult to Hersden; everyone is furious,” she said.

“I can’t think of a village school which doesn’t have its name in the title.

"We just think the trust is ashamed of Hersden and wants to attract parents from the new housing developments.”

The school uniform will change from navy blue to green, with each pupil getting a free sweatshirt or cardigan.

The parents learned of the decision in a letter this week from trust chief executive Simon O’Keefe, who said “all responses have been taken into consideration”.

He said the village is in a state of change and the school is benefitting from a “new chapter in its history” because of the planned expansion to accommodate up to 420 pupils.

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