By Rosie Watson
In conversation with new headteacher of Bristol Grammar’s infant and junior school
DAN Simson — the new head of Bristol Grammar School’s infant and junior school — joins BGS from Sefton Park infant and junior schools, which he joined in 2011, becoming deputy head in 2016 and headteacher in 2020.
He is taking over the BGS reins from Heidi Hughes. Last year, after a 20-year career in educational leadership, Heidi decided to step down from her role at BGS to take the exciting step of looking at new ventures. In her six years at the helm, she led the school through Covid and onwards with passion, care and commitment and has built and developed a committed and talented team.
As Dan now looks ahead to his new role in September we find out what’s important to him and what his first few weeks might look like.
What have you been doing ahead of the new role?
I’ve actually been lucky enough to take some time off over the last few months and spend valuable time with my family whilst bolstering my energy for the exciting role ahead.
I really enjoy the outdoors and especially fishing, cricket and hiking and so have particularly enjoyed having time to walk in the Brecon Beacons with my father. It was a rare chance to talk and reconnect with each other over a matter of days rather than the few snatched moments we all get used to in our busy lives. I know the value of family and community are ones that BGS shares with me. They are key to creating a supportive environment for children to thrive and as a school for the community, this is something look forward to developing further at BGS.
What are you most looking forward to?
I’ve enjoyed meeting many of the parents, children and staff at BGS over May and June and am really looking forward to getting to know what it feels like to be a child at BGS, to understand how they experience the school and how their day feels for them.
Play is such an important developmental tool – it’s key to a child’s ability to learn and I’m excited about seeing how we integrate this into our teaching and open up further opportunities for this in our classrooms and activities. Having met many of the staff, I also know I’m joining a fantastic team who are passionate about developing each child and I’m looking forward to working with them and partnering with our parents.
What appeals about BGS?
I was already familiar with BGS as one of my own children goes there, so I knew enough to understand that we share a common belief that a child who feels known, nurtured and celebrated is a happy and fulfilled child.
Getting to really know children and their families is key to this, to ensure they are able to grow and fulfil their potential to the fullest. I know that we are starting on common ground and I can’t wait to get started! I look forward to meeting current and prospective children and parents in September.