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Norfolk school renamed Harry Kane Junior for World Cup

Howard Junior School Pupils and teachers with cut-outs of footballersHoward Junior School
The school said it intended to celebrate the World Cup in style

A school has changed its name to Harry Kane Junior School for the duration of the World Cup, and pledged to change it permanently if England wins.

Head teacher Gregory Hill, from Howard Junior School, in Gaywood, Norfolk, said pupils came up with the idea.

"They wanted to do something momentous so we've completely rebranded the school signs and badges," he said.

"Some people say it's just sport, but the World Cup brings the nations of the world together, and we all need that."

The school posted a number of Twitter videos in which Mr Hill, surrounded by teachers dressed as three inflatable lions, and a football, said: "From Monday onwards we're going to be the Harry Kane Junior School - yes, you heard me right.

"Howard is out - Harry Kane is in - we're right behind England, we're going to make sure that England wins the World Cup."

Howard Junior School School teacher with Gareth Southgate cut-out and inflatable lionsHoward Junior School
Teacher Ashley Kirwan is "the UK's no 1 Gareth Southgate look-alike", according to the school's head

The children are wearing mocked-up school badges bearing the new name, and a picture of Kane, on their uniforms.

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Mr Hill added: "If England win, we're changing our name permanently."

In a further video, teacher Ashley Kirwan said the school intended to "celebrate the World Cup in style".

Mr Hill said the pupils and staff would be watching the first England match against Iran together on Monday.

"It's not just a football match - the World Cup is about education - notwithstanding the geography and cultural lifestyles of the different nations, it's also about teamwork and good sportsmanship," he said.

Howard Junior School Head teacher and school pupilsHoward Junior School
Head teacher Gregory Hill said football brings nations together

As an academy school, he said he would not need permission to permanently change the school's name - should England win, of course.

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