It's goodbye North Devon College and hello to Petroc
PETROC has been revealed as the new name for North Devon College.
The name was revealed to staff and students at 10.40am today.
Principal David Dodd said the merger of North Devon College with East Devon College meant both names had to go.
The college has worked with a company called Interbrand to come up with the new name, brand and logo.
New logo for Petroc College
Revealing the new name Mr Dodd said: "In a series of language and naming exercises, we explored perceptions of Devon, of the colleges and its people.
"Around 200 people generated 400 different possible names. But ultimately, and overwhelmingly, one word – one name – emerged from the workshops. Our new name is: Petroc."
Mr Dodd said: "Petroc is now, the times we're living in.
"Though ancient in origin, Petroc has the look and sound of a modern word. It could be coined today.
"And, having reinvented itself, Petroc is now redefining us. We've trademarked the word and our logo — or wordmark — is the primary means of identifying Petroc."
Petroc reached 20,000 learners a year, from all over the country.
It is a business with a turnover of up to £40 million per year and employs almost 1,200 staff in locations across north, east and mid Devon, as well as north Cornwall.
Funds for the rebranding were allocated by the Learning and Skills Council. The project is due for completion by September 2010.
The total budget is £330,000 and the college says the most substantial items of expenditure are yet to come.
The college will now use the Petroc brand on signs, vehicles and stationery.
Anticipating criticism that Petroc is a Cornish name, the college said in a statement: "Petroc is a Celtic name that has connections with Cornwall but even stronger links with Devon where the county's flag is dedicated to him.
"Cornwall's main patron saint is St Piran, whose flag is recognised as the Cornish national symbol.
"St Petroc was born in Wales but primarily ministered to the people of sixth century Dumnonia (now Devon, Cornwall and parts of Somerset and Dorset).
"He is one of Cornwall's patron saints but there are 17 churches dedicated to him in Devon, while there are just five in Cornwall."
Click here to read David Dodd's full speech.
Why has North Devon College been rebranded? Click here for some questions and answers.
347 Comments
View all
by Tom, Barnstaple
Friday, November 06 2009, 8:23PM
“Still can't get over how bad this name is. Just say it to yourself a few times, it doesn't sound right, does it? And yet this Mr. Dodd will not listen to the majority of views about the name, that in it's self tells you something about the person.”
by Media Lab, Media Lab
Monday, November 02 2009, 10:01AM
“CRAPPIEST NAME EVER!!!
Keep up the hatred people dont let this die out!!
We need dood to go down and the name to be changed!!”
by jayjay, Exmoor
Thursday, October 22 2009, 2:24PM
“Pathetic, and an insult to Devon. A name with Welsh and Cornish roots is entirely innappropriate, who cares if the person spent time in Devon? And not least, an horrific waste of taxpayers' money. All typical of the publicity-seeking Mr Dodd. Add least he didn't call it "Dodd College".”
by helyne jennings, Burrington, N Devon
Thursday, October 22 2009, 10:29AM
“'The total budget is £330,000 and the college says the most substantial items of expenditure are yet to come.'
Lucky Interbrand for landing such a lucrative job and arriving at such an inovative name that does as you so rightly point out relate more to Cornwall in the minds of many people! Oddly enough Falmouth have one of the country's most prestigious colleges and didn't feel the need to be branded in this way. Perhaps money would have been more wisely spent on arranging for adequate parking for students and tutors and for student accommodation as in Exeter. Spending so much on a name that clearly has existed for a few hundred years smacks of more 'Emperors New Cloths' syndrome. Helyne”
by D Hare, North Devon
Thursday, October 22 2009, 7:35AM
“How Much????
This has got to be a wind-up. And how can the name possibly be trademarked? North Devon College, which was a recognised brand said exactly what is says on the tin. Pertroc, if anything, sounds like an oil company!!! rubbish.”