Whitton residents have reacted angrily to the suggestion the town’s school will be renamed Twickenham Academy if it is handed over to a Swedish education firm.

The process to turn Whitton School into an academy, an independent schools run by a sponsor, began last month and documents revealed the Percy Road school would be renamed.

If the move is agreed after the formal consultation Whitton will close on August 31, 2010, and re-open a day later as Twickenham Academy, run by Swedish education firm Kunskapsskolan.

The Richmond and Twickenham Times has received dozens of letters from Whitton residents concerned the town’s name will be wiped off the map.

Paul Wenham, of Nelson Road, said: “Whitton is first mentioned in historical documents as far back as 1200 so why is it therefore acceptable to wipe away 50 years of the school’s history on a whim and change its name?

“Changing the name will not make our school a place of excellence and achievement; it is achieved by the management - teachers and attending students.

“So let’s not wash away 50 years of history, let’s build on it and have a school we can all be proud of.”

Mark Blackwell said: “If we really must change to an academy let’s at least be proud to call it Whitton and make it part of our community.”

Diana Crooy added: “Whitton has some excellent primary schools, thriving churches and Kneller Hall Military School of Music, so we have a lot of which to be proud. Let’s make Whitton Academy another source of pride.

“If the school further enhances its reputation for sporting excellence let it help put itself and Whitton – not Twickenham – on the map.”

Councillor Malcolm Eady, Richmond Council cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “The idea of renaming the proposed academy at Whitton is just a suggestion at this stage, and the current consultation seeks people’s views on it.

“The name Twickenham Academy was originally suggested by a parent-governor at the school, and initial discussions have indicated some support, including from pupils at the school. “We know there are a range of views locally and we want to hear everybody’s thoughts on this issue – and on the wider academy proposals – before any decisions are made.”