Camden Council have stated that they are currently reviewing the naming of schools that are named after figures associated with the slave trade and imperialism. Amongst these is Beckford school in West Hampstead. The current headmaster has indicated that the views of parents of current pupils would take priority during a consultation. We feel it is also important to consider the heritage of the school, which current parents may not be aware of.
 
As headmistress of the school in the 70s and 80s, and one of the first black head teachers in the UK, Beryl Gilroy was a formidable and brilliant woman, and very influential on the entire community. She created a culture of tolerance, diversity and excellence, one in which all people (black, white, dual heritage, male, female, straight, gay, etc) were treated equally while also being nurtured and encouraged to perform, improve and excel.
 
As well as teaching, she was a novelist, an ethno-psychotherapist, and poet who has been described as "one of Britain's most significant post-war Caribbean migrants"
 
 
Given the reasons to be reconsidering the name of the school, re-naming this great school after Beryl Gilroy would be the perfect way of addressing contemporary concerns while also honouring the school's history of successful inclusion and diversity.
There can surely be no more fitting tribute than to name the school after her.
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl_Gilroy