A primary school in Lewisham named after 16th Century slave trader Sir Francis Drake is set to be renamed following a vote.

Sir Francis Drake Primary School, in Scawen Road, will change its name due to the historical figure’s "slave trade links", as reported by the BBC.

Drake was credited for defeating the Spanish Armada's invasion of England in 1588 and was one of the earliest supporters of the slave trade.

The decision to consult on a new name was taken by the school’s Governing Body, and will require a change of logo as the current design represents a 16th-century ship.

A spokesperson for the Lewisham school said 88 per cent of 450 parents, staff, pupils, and residents voted for a new name.

It is now set to be called Twin Oaks Primary School which was the top choice among the respondents.

The new name was suggested by pupils due to the two oak trees that grow around its entrance.

Headteacher Karen Cartwright said she was "thrilled" pupils had been able to play such a "central role in this renaming process".

In a letter to parents, she said costs would be kept to a minimum, adding pupils would be able to continue wearing their current uniform until they outgrew it and non-branded jumpers could still be worn.

For those needing a new uniform, the school hopes a new branded one would be available from September.