For most parents, it would be regarded as a basic requirement … that their child's school has a head teacher.

But there was a point earlier in the current academic year when it looked like that would not be the case in up to 30 Bristol primaries.

The fear was that Bristol's reputation as a difficult place for teachers and an expensive city for incomers, would mean quality applications would be few and far between.

Circumstances meant that several heads were all due to retire at the same time and there were real fears that schools would not be able to fill the gaps, meaning deputies would have to stand in.

Bristol has been battling to build up its reputation in schools after many years of disappointing results and a collection of schools without a head was the last thing the education authority needed.

Remarkably, it seems that a dynamic recruitment drive has paid off and the vacancies have been filled. What is also encouraging is that nine vacancies were filled by candidates from outside the city – giving a lie to the idea that Bristol is some kind of no-go-zone for ambitious teachers.

All is not plain sailing, however. By a quirk of fate, it looks like the city could be looking for a similar number of heads next year as more incumbents retire. Yet maybe in this area of education, the city has turned a corner. It is clear Bristol is not as unattractive as it once was.

And while the relationship between the primary heads and previous education chief Heather Tomlinson was not great, the signs are that the situation is improving considerably under Annie Hudson.

This may be the beginning of a new era for Bristol primaries. There will be a sense that the slate has been wiped clean and a feeling that the city is moving forward with a positive outlook will be welcomed by everyone – hopefully to the benefit of our children.