YOUNGSTERS have been taught there since the 1700s.

But after centuries of educating local children, time has caught up with Westhoughton Parochial CE Primary School.

Over the years, the word “parochial” has come to mean something else.

Now leaders at the school want to change its name — and usher in a new chapter in its history.

Staff and governors want to rename the school St Bartholomew’s Primary, after the town’s parish church.

They say the current name is out-dated and does not represent the school’s ethos.

Headteacher Gareth Robertshaw, who took over in September, 2008, said: “Ever since I was appointed, a significant number of people have commented on the name of the school saying, it’s too long. It’s so old fashioned. How do you say it? How do you spell it? Does the name reflect the school? What does it mean?

“The word parochial now has two meanings. The first and historical one being relating to a parish, which is why the name was chosen originally. Our school was the only church school in the parish of Westhoughton. There are now three church schools in the parish.

“The second meaning of the word parochial is narrow in outlook or scope, provincial. This is something that we would never strive to be in our school.

“We would never aspire to be narrow minded.”

Westhoughton Parochial was founded in 1739. The school’s current site, in The Fairways, dates back 150 years.

It was placed into special measures by Ofsted inspectors, after getting the lowest possible scores in 2007. But earlier this year, it was judged as “good”, following the appointment of a new headteacher and deputy.

Mr Robertshaw said: “I believe that the name change would reflect the successful evolution of our school and the new chapter and aspirations for the future.”

Parents, Bolton Council, Westhoughton Town Council and the Manchester Diocese Board of Education are being consulted on the name change.

Staff hope the new name will be in place and ready for a new uniform next summer.