Headteacher’s Letter – 10.06.20
10th June 2020
Dear Parents and families
I am writing to you in the light of recent press coverage around Sir John Cass after whom our school is named.
Sir John Cass (1661-1718) was a merchant and politician, who bequeathed the vast majority of his wealth to the John Cass Foundation for the education of children. The Cass Foundation acknowledges and has been transparent that part of this wealth was acquired through his role as Director of The Royal African Company which was involved directly in the slave trade. As you know we have been involved in a comprehensive review of our curriculum over the past two years. We will continue to evolve this work and ensure that our curriculum is fair, equal and unbiased. We have been discussing this work with the Foundation and we will pursue this work in due course.
We are a proud school, which values diversity and we are proud to be anti-racist in our ethos and in our actions. We recognise that John Cass is a divisive figure in London. As a school in the heart of London’s East End we must be active participants in any debate about his legacy. In the coming days and weeks I will be leading the school’s response with the Governing Body and I will update you in due course.
Yours sincerely
Paul Woods
Headteacher