Headteacher
Bristol Free School, Bristol, Bristol, BS10 6NJ15 days remaining to apply
Start date details
1 September 2026
Closing date
10 April 2026 at 1pm
Date listed
6 March 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £113,646.00 - £138,230.00 Annually (Actual) Depending on experience: L33-L41
Headteacher job summary
Headteacher - Bristol Free School (BFS)
Location: Bristol
Salary Range (depending on experience): L33-L41
Contract: Full-time, permanent
An Exceptional Opportunity for an Inspirational Leader
BFS is seeking to appoint an outstanding new Headteacher to build on the achievements of Su King who is moving on to new challenges following her eight years leading our thriving and high-achieving learning community.
We are seeking an experienced and effective leader who can inspire, innovate, and drive the continued success of a school which has a strong reputation for excellence, creativity and inclusivity. BFS is the largest secondary school in the Russell Education Trust (RET) and we are seeking to maximise the benefits of a close working relationship with BFS’s largest feeder school, Elmlea (now also an RET school) as well as developing new partnerships by working with other schools in Bristol and across RET.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of BFS, fostering a culture of high expectations, inclusion, outstanding teaching, and a passion for lifelong learning. Our new Headteacher will be committed to developing both staff and students, ensuring that BFS continues to be a place where every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally and every member of staff is helped to develop their professional skills
What We Offer:
- A vibrant and supportive school community with a committed team of staff, governors, and engaged families
- Happy, motivated students who love learning and strive for excellence
- A well-established culture of high achievement, with a strong curriculum and enrichment programmes
- The opportunity to shape and drive strategic growth in partnership with RET
- A commitment to your professional development, with access to leadership support and collaboration across RET’s network of schools.
What We Are Looking For:
An inspirational and ambitious leader who:
- Has a proven track record of successful school leadership and driving excellent outcomes for students
- Is passionate about teaching, learning, and curriculum development, with a focus on high-quality education for all
- Can cultivate a positive and inclusive school culture, ensuring that every student is valued, challenged, and supported
- Has exceptional communication skills to engage effectively with students, staff, parents, and the wider school community
- Can work strategically, making evidence-based decisions to drive improvement and innovation.
About Russell Education Trust (RET)
BFS is proud to be the founding school and an essential member of the Russell Education Trust (RET), a family of high-performing schools that share best practices and expertise to ensure the highest standards of education. RET provides strong professional support and leadership development, while still ensuring that each school retains its own unique identity.
Safeguarding Statement
BFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
If you are an enthusiastic and dedicated leader ready to make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you!
To arrange a visit, please contact the Headteacher’s PA, Sharon Eynon, at s.eynon@bristolfreeschool.org.uk.
To arrange an informal conversation about the role then please email Colin Mackinlay at ceo@russelleducationtrust.org.uk.
Deadline for applications is midday on 10 April 2026
Interviews will be held week commencing 20 April 2026.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
We are completely committed to safeguarding the welfare of our students. Those who work for us are expected to share this commitment, which will be fully tested as part of the selection process. Our policies, procedures and practices reflect our commitment to equality and diversity. Individuals will be selected for appointment based purely on their suitability for the post.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Bristol Free School
- School type
- Free School, ages 11 to 19
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1292 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Bristol Free School website
Bristol Free School is a successful and heavily oversubscribed secondary school with a thriving Sixth Form serving the community of North West Bristol. We are a caring school with a highly qualified and committed staff, who recognise the importance of creative and challenging teaching alongside high professional standards. All staff and students are greatly valued and emphasis on student and staff wellbeing is central to our culture.
At Bristol Free School, we are committed to the young people in our care to encourage and inspire every child to fulfil their potential. We provide our students with the necessary skills to achieve academic and personal growth so they truly thrive, both socially and emotionally.
School location
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