What's in a name? For would-be pupil Max Hell, it's been, well, hell

A CATHOLIC primary school in Melbourne's west has refused to enrol a prep student because the family's surname is Hell, the boy's father claims.

Alex Hell said his eldest son, Max, 5, was refused entry to St Peter Apostle Primary School in Hoppers Crossing last month after he reneged on a deal with the principal to change Max's surname to Wembridge, his mother's maiden name.

Mr Hell, 45, a self-employed father of three, said he suggested the name change, knowing first-hand the teasing the surname attracted in the Catholic sector. He said his own schooling at St Margaret Mary's School in Spotswood saw him victimised because of his surname, which in Austria means light or bright. Mr Hell is of Austrian heritage.