The Warrnambool Special Developmental School is now called Merri River School.

The school was opened this year, replacing antiquated premises in Hyland Street

School principal Robert Dowell said the new name had been officially gazetted.

"We thought with the opening of the new school it was the perfect opportunity to have a new name," Mr Dowell said.

"It has been a 12-month process with a lot of consultation with the school and wider communities.

"The new name reflects our location on the banks of the Merri River and we are very happy with it."

Mr Dowell said a new logo was in development and was near completion.

Once that happened, the school signage will be changed to reflect the new name.

The re-naming is in line with what has happened at many special developmental schools across the state.

"We are still a special developmental school, just with a new name," Mr Dowell said.

"There are fewer and fewer schools with special developmental in their title, the trend is to change the name.

"We looked at it closely and this is the direction we believe will be best for our school."

The name change has not stemmed the swell of support for the school from the community.

The proceeds from many fundraising efforts by community groups helped equip the new school and this continues.

The Warrnambool and District Historical Vehicle Club has donated the proceeds from its annual show to the school.

The show, which was held at Lake Pertobe in January, raised $1500.

Club president Ken Perrett said the school was a worthy recipient of the donation.

"We thought it was the best place for the money to go," Mr Perrett said.

"The new school is great for Warrnambool and hopefully this money can help out in some way."

Mr Dowell thanked the club for its donation and said the money from the car show would be used to purchase equipment for the Hands on Learning shed at the school.