Headteacher Su King is departing Bristol Free School at the end of this school year after eight years at the helm. The Voice invited her to share her reflections.
“When I became headteacher of BFS eight years ago, the school had just been judged Requires Improvement by Ofsted. I remember on my first visit walking through the endless long white corridors which took minimal design to a whole new level! Despite this, I felt an immediate connection; I was struck by the warmth of the students, the genuine collaboration between staff and pupils, and the strong sense of community that surrounded the school.
“BFS has a unique history as one of the 10 original free schools, born out of local determination to create a secondary school that would allow friendships formed in strong neighbourhood primary schools to endure. That legacy mattered deeply to me, and it still does.
“When I took up the role in 2018, I was clear about what I hoped to achieve. I wanted BFS to be a place where children from all starting points could thrive and make excellent progress; a school that was about far more than examination results — where young people developed confidence, values and a moral compass to help them navigate the complexities of modern Britain. I also wanted to strengthen the Sixth Form which, at the time, was small and struggling to grow, and to improve the physical environment so the school felt more like a true learning campus, both indoors and out.
“Like so many leaders, my early years as headteacher were shaped by the global pandemic. With the benefit of hindsight, school closures and the cancellation of exams had a profound impact on young people, and we continue to see the effects of those decisions today. Yet I remain incredibly proud of how the profession responded. At BFS, staff adapted almost overnight, delivering live lessons and recorded teaching with creativity, care and resilience. We constantly evolved to meet the changing needs of our students, and that ability to respond, reflect and adapt is, I believe, at the heart of what makes a great school.
“In March 2026, Ofsted visited the school under the new inspection framework. I was delighted that the ambition and inclusive culture we had worked so hard to create were recognised. The school was judged to be Strong (the equivalent of the old Outstanding) in six of the seven areas inspected, which is extremely rare under the current framework. It felt like a real affirmation of the collective work of staff, students, and families across the community.
“There are many things I am proud of from my eight years leading BFS, but the transformation of the Sixth Form stands out. From just 75 students when I arrived, it has grown to over 300 young people, with results among the best in the South West. We have supported students into highly aspirational and competitive destinations, including more than 20 who have gone on to study medicine or veterinary science. These achievements reflect not just academic success, but the belief students have developed in themselves and in their futures.
“More broadly, exam performance across the school has gone from strength to strength at both GCSE and A Level. Yet what matters just as much to me is the culture we have built. BFS is now a place where students from all backgrounds mix, learn and work together with warmth and respect. In an increasingly polarised world, that sense of belonging and shared purpose feels more important than ever and is, to my mind, an essential part of a truly good education.
“The physical environment of the school has also evolved far beyond those original white corridors! We now have improved IT provision, well-equipped technology workshops and striking student-created wall art that brings the buildings to life. There is still more to do outdoors, but I leave with a planning application for an astroturf pitch and a second MUGA submitted to Bristol City Council, and I very much hope to return one day to see those spaces in use.
“Bristol Free School has been a wonderful school for me to lead. I have been consistently supported by engaged parents, inspired by thoughtful and determined students, and privileged to work alongside dedicated, talented staff. While I will miss the school greatly, there comes a moment when the need for change and a sense of adventure make it the right time to pass the baton. I know the school will quickly become a huge part of the next headteacher’s life, just as it has been of mine, and I wish them every success. BFS has so much to be proud of — and even more to look forward to.”