All free schools, like Academies, are governed by not-for-profit charitable trusts, which are closely monitored by the Audit Commission to ensure that they provide good value for the public money with which they are entrusted.
In the case of Bristol Free School the Governing Body is the Board of the Russell Education Trust (RET), a Government-approved academy sponsor. Information about RET's Trustees can be found on the RET website
In each of its schools, RET formally delegates a range of its responsibilities to a Local Governing Body representing the community. More information about this structure can be found in the RET Scheme of Delegation and the Bristol Free School Governing Body Standing Orders.
A close, consultative relationship exists between RET and the Local Governing Bodies of its schools, and the views of local governors inform all aspects of RET policy.
Bristol Free School Local Governing Body
The Bristol Free School Local Governing Body includes the Headteacher, two elected parent governors and up to ten further governors (many of whom reflect the community), appointed by the Trust.
Local Governors are appointed/elected for a 4 year term, and are currently as follows:
| Name: | Appointer/Date: | Responsibilities: |
|
Anne-Marie Boyle (Chair) |
RET/April 2019 RET/April 2023 |
|
|
Clive Brazil (Vice Chair) |
RET/Sept 2011 RET/April 2014 RET/April 2022 |
Health & Safety |
|
Su King (Headteacher) |
Not applicable |
|
|
John Meech |
Elected/April 2017 RET/April 2019 RET/April 2023 |
Finance |
|
Nick Hester |
RET/May 2021 |
Behaviour & Attendance; Suspensions |
|
Anna Short |
RET/Sept 2022 |
Inclusion - SEND |
|
Leona Burton |
Elected/Nov 2022 |
Careers |
|
Rebekah Priest |
Elected/Nov 2023 |
Safeguarding |
|
Jenny Richards |
RET/Nov 2023 |
Disadvantaged and Looked After Children |
|
Seb Brown |
RET/Dec 2024 |
| Name | Date Stepped down |
| Matt Annable | September 2024 |
Contact the Governing Body
Contact should normally be through the school administrative office.
