POOLBROOK Primary School hopes to make a fresh start by changing its name to Malvern Hills Primary School.

The school, in Bluebell Close, has already informed parents of the change, but the official launch of the new name will take place next term.

Sweatshirts bearing the new title have been designed, while landscaping work to the school grounds will complete the change of image.

Interviewed outside the school gates on Wednesday morning, parents said they thought the change of name was a good idea.

Jane Powell, of Lavender Walk, who has three children at the school, said: "It doesn't make that much of a difference, it's still the same school.

"However, I think the school has a bit of a bad reputation and it deserves a fresh start."

Clive Godwin and Sheila Beirne, of Fiveoaks Close, also have three children at the school.

"I think it's a good thing," said Mr Godwin. "The school needs a new image as it's very small and needs to draw more pupils in."

Ms Beirne said she thought the new name sounded better than Poolbrook.

The school was put under Special Measures in 2001 and was kept under close observation after inspectors identified serious weaknesses. However, after hard work to solve the problems, it emerged from Special Measures after an Ofsted inspection in July.