Moat Community College (Leicester)

 secondary school, blue plaque

Moat Community College has been a prominent landmark in Highfields for over 25 years. The school provides a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum that is in full compliance with the national curriculum requirements. The college has a wide range of facilities including three purpose-built specialist art rooms, a recently refurbished design and technology department, modern languages department and five large ICT suites each equipped to a high standard. The school aims to create a dynamic and engaging environment of excellence in which students and staff consistently achieve their highest potential.

Authority: Leicester
Type: Community
Gender of entry: Mixed
Number of students: 1,055

Moat Community College
Maidstone Road
Leicester
LE2 0TU

Main Office: +44 (116) 2625705
Fax: +44 (116) 2510653
Extended Services/Community: +44 (116) 2619556
moatcollege.org

Blue Plaque:

Joseph Carey Merrick, otherwise known as the 'Elephant Man', was born in Leicester on 5 August 1862, and died on 11 April 1890, and it is believed he suffered from Proteus Syndrome.

A private commemorative plaque to Joseph Merrick was unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Leicester on 15 May 2004, at the former 'Music Hall' on the corner of Wharf Street and Gladstone Street, where he is believed to have performed. This plaque was paid for by the friends of Joseph Carey Merrick who campaign to publicise the work of those who support people with Proteus Syndrome. Planning permission was granted for redevelopment of this building in March 2008, and it was subsequently demolished.

The plaque is now displayed at Moat Community College, Maidstone Road, Leicester LE2 0TU. This is the site of the former Leicester Union Workhouse, where Merrick spent some of his life. The plaque is located on the outside wall next to the college Reception, but the College request that members of the public don't enter the site during school hours.