James joined the trust in 2016 as Deputy Head Teacher at The Garibaldi School (later becoming Head Teacher), before moving to The Herewoode Academy (formerly New College Leicester) in 2024 as Head Teacher.

Prior to this, James held a range of Middle and Senior leadership roles, predominantly in Nottingham City, focussing on school improvement, SEND, safeguarding, behaviour and safety and teaching and the curriculum.

James has also set up and run adult education centres and taught adult learners. He has a real focus on stakeholder engagement and partnership work.

James has been recognised by Ofsted for having clarity and vision for school improvement, for ensuring high aspirations and for ensuring an ambitious and engaging curriculum for all students. He has a relentless focus on ensuring the school provides an outstanding quality of education and opportunities for students, staff and the local community.