The flying pig is the unofficial mascot of Rochester Independent College.The College has flourished, often against the odds, for nearly 35 years.
Back in 1984, Brian Pain and Simon de Belder who had for many years taught Maths at other schools decided to set up on their own. But friends were not convinced the notoriously scruffy pair could convince a bank to help finance restoration of the derelict building on Star Hill they had chosen for their new school.
One unkind acquaintance went so far as to give Brian a jumper adorned with a large flying pig for him to wear to the bank interview. But the pig worked its magic. The pair were loaned £40,000 and Rochester Independent College was born.
RIC now teaches students from year 7 and boasts one of the largest independent sixth forms in Kent. Hundreds of students over the years have also gone on to flourish often despite earlier hurdles in their education.
The flying pig has come to represent both the College and our students and has now been immortalized in a magnificent piece of public art. The gates and railings are decorated with six gleaming pig sculptures, ground, welded and polished by Henry, alongside clover leaves, a mathematical equation known as ‘Euler’s Relationship’ and a Middle English inscription.
The Flying Pig Musical Gates 