Goodbye to Clare Freeman, Outgoing Head of Sixth Form

Taking Risks: Mrs Freeman on Leadership, Learning, and What Comes Next

By Amaya (Y12)

(Featured in Machio 2025/26)

This term I had the privilege of interviewing our wonderful outgoing Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Freeman, who is preparing for a bold new chapter in her life as a student at Leith’s Culinary School. Here are her thoughts on teaching, leadership, embarrassing moments, bees, and why taking risks matters more than ever.

13 Questions with Mrs Freeman

1. Can you tell me about your career path and how you got into teaching?

Teaching wasn’t always part of the plan. Due to a lack of career guidance at school, teaching had always felt like the “safe option”. However, while living in France for a year, I was asked to spend time at a local school for students with behavioural difficulties. There, I watched a teacher who completely inspired me: “She was just brilliant with them. I saw the impact she had and thought, ‘Wow – I quite fancy being able to do that.’”

Later, during a stint teaching at PGL, it clicked: “I really enjoyed it. I loved connecting with students. Even to this day, the students make me laugh and we have a good time – that’s what really led me into teaching.”

2. Why RMS?

My connection to RMS began long before I worked here. While at university, a close friend’s father was the school chaplain, and I remember attending the “wildest” parties on site and falling in love with the grounds. When I later saw a job come up here, I thought, ‘I know that school – I’ll go and have a look.’ I joined as a geography teacher, and, as they say, the rest is history.

3. What’s one thing about you that students would be surprised to learn?

Despite my confidence and presence on stage: “I get really nervous with public speaking – assemblies, talks to parents, all of it.” However, I put a positive spin on this, finding it really rewarding to overcome the nerves by the end of a talk: “The nerves are good – they get you going.”

(Also, I played tighthead prop rugby for Nottingham, Durham University teams, and the Hemel Hempstead Harriers!)

4. What’s the hardest/most rewarding part of your job that we wouldn’t realise?

The most difficult part of being Head of Sixth Form isn’t the workload or multitasking-it’s giving bad news to people. “I don’t like making people unhappy and it never gets any nicer.” But sometimes, delivering that news is exactly what a student needs. Those conversations are where you make the biggest difference in their lives; they might not realise it then, but further down the line they appreciate it.

5. Describe your most memorable (or funniest) moment in a school corridor/with a student?

On a school trip to Royal Holloway University for a Geography lecture, I knocked my handbag, setting off a very loud and persistent alarm. It took me a few minutes to realise it was me! I was hugely embarrassed, but I think the girls found it quite amusing. Thankfully, I’m someone who can laugh at myself – an important quality so you don’t beat yourself up about everything.

6. What is the Head of Sixth Form Survival Kit?

Mrs Klement, coffee, and a sense of humour.

7. Has there been a change students pushed for that genuinely impressed you?

One student-led initiative legacy that stands out: the bees.

We’ve got students visiting them, and the honey is extracted for food nutrition – it has become a real part of RMS. One student in particular went above and beyond to make this happen; she arranged meetings with beekeepers, did costings, wrote risk assessments, and everything. That passion and drive was inspiring to see. I still own bee-patterned socks gifted by that student, so I will always remember it.

8. How would you describe the personality of our school, and what makes us different?

If I had to sum up RMS students in an idea, it would be this: “Our girls have oomph. They’ve got something about them.” RMS pupils want to bring about change, get involved, and speak out – that’s what is going to make a difference in life. Someone who knows themselves, their personality, and their skills is just as important as their grades, and that is something employers and universities are going to value.

(Mrs Freeman with RMS Alumna Emily Pieters, Meteorologist)

9. If you could invite any guest speaker in the world to Sixth Form, who would it be?

Jacinda Ardern, former New Zealand Prime Minister. She is young, relatable, on TikTok, makes a positive impact as a wonderful leader, and is “breaking the mould” – a quality RMS girls can aspire to achieve. I really credit her presence, her strategy, and her authentic leadership.

10. What’s one vital skill that helps students succeed in sixth form (and in life)?

Curiosity. The ability to learn and having a passion for learning – going out to explore and find out why, just because you are interested. GCSEs can sometimes knock this curiosity out of us, but it is a vital skill in life and the workplace.

11. What is a mindset or habit you hope students will adopt more often?

Respecting the Sixth Form kitchen toaster! But most importantly: positivity and gratitude.

“We work in an amazing school and live in a country with huge freedoms. We don’t realise how lucky we are. Don’t wish your life away waiting for the weekend – appreciate it, because life is too short.”

12. If you could swap roles with any member of staff for the day, who would it be?

Head Chef or Headteacher. As someone who loves cooking, the Head Chef would be the natural choice! But swapping roles with Mr Carson would provide a better understanding of our different roles and how they contribute to the school.

13. If you could give your 17-year-old self any advice, what would it be?

“Take more risks.” I was a cautious teenager, afraid to stray from the safe route because I didn’t want to get things wrong. Now, I encourage all students to explore more and to not be afraid.

Bonus: What is one thing you hope every student remembers about their time in Sixth Form?

“That there was someone here who believed in them.” Looking back, I never felt this belief at school or felt valued for all my qualities – and that has shaped everything I’ve tried to create in this role. Everybody has something amazing about them that will make them hugely successful in life. Grades are just paper.

Why She’s Leaving (And What Comes Next)

After nine years as Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Freeman felt ready for a new challenge – and realised her love of cooking has become more than just a hobby. She’s heading to Leiths Culinary School to train alongside students aged 17 to 68.

“If it becomes a new career – amazing. If not, I’ve had fun.” she says. However, she describes it as the “biggest risk I’ve taken,” but adds that she is “so excited.”

Mrs Freeman admits she is really going to miss “the people, the energy, and having an audience.” One of her favourite things is making jokes and having a laugh with the students: “Just having different people around me all the time – I gain energy from that. I love the school and all the sixth formers; I’ve been here nearly half my life. That doesn’t just disappear. It’s not just a job to me – it’s a huge part of my life.”

While she is stepping down from her current role, she isn’t leaving the community entirely. She will work as a school inspector, and plans to explore consultancy – or even becoming a magistrate!

We are so incredibly grateful to have had Mrs Freeman be such an integral part of Sixth Form life. Thank you for your dedication to the school, and the best of luck on your upcoming adventures!