Dan Simson has been announced as the next headteacher at Bristol Grammar School (BGS) Infants and Juniors, stepping into the shoes of Heidi Hughes, who will bid farewell at the end of the academic year. Mr Simson will start in September 2025 after being unanimously appointed following a rigorous interview process which included three governors and the head of Manchester Grammar School.
Mr Simson is the current head at Sefton Park Infants and Junior Schools in Bristol. He joined Sefton Park in 2011, became deputy head in 2016, and he has been head since 2020. Miss Hughes will stay in post until the end of the academic year. After six years leading the school, she leaves BGS to pursue new life challenges.
Head of BGS, Jaideep Barot, said: “At BGS we believe that the key to a fulfilled and successful child is that they feel known, nurtured, challenged and celebrated. It was clear in talking to Dan during the selection process that this is a belief he passionately shares and is something he has been able to deliver well as Head at his current school.
“His clear and ambitious vision for leading BGS I&J is fully aligned with our ethos and made him the unanimous choice for this appointment, building on the success of Heidi and the team to date. I look forward to seeing the evolution of our ethos under Dan’s leadership.”
Mr Simson said: “Taking on the role of Head of BGS Infants & Juniors, an amazing school in the city I love, is both hugely exciting and a real privilege. Working with children – and their families – to help to shape their futures, it is a responsibility I take on with pride, humility and respect.
“BGS is renowned for excellence, care and a progressive outlook. It seeks to be at the vanguard of educational development and to be at the pinnacle of local and national expertise, and I share that drive and ambition. I look forward to meeting pupils and parents in due course and to working alongside the leadership team and many brilliant colleagues, for the benefit of all at BGS.”