The Trustees of Archway Learning Trust are delighted to announce the appointment of James Higham as our new Chief Executive Officer from 1 September 2025. James will take over from Sian Hampton on her retirement, following several years of outstanding leadership of Archway.
Following a rigorous national search and selection process, the Board of Trustees is confident that James brings the vision, experience, and leadership qualities required to guide the Trust through its next phase of development. With a robust track record of educational leadership, he is well placed to build on the Trust’s strong foundations and take forward our mission to deliver outstanding education in all our schools. James is currently the CEO of Transforming Lives Education Trust, a trust with a similar mission to Archway’s ‘working together, transforming lives’.
His commitment to educational excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration has consistently resulted in positive outcomes for pupils, staff, and wider stakeholders. James will play a pivotal role in strengthening our shared values, enhancing school-to-school support, and maintaining high expectations for every child. His strategic insight and proven leadership will ensure the Trust continues to evolve in ways that are sustainable, innovative, and always centred on the needs of our learners.
We look forward to welcoming James to the Trust in September and to working together to continue raising standards, broadening opportunities, and making a positive difference to the lives of all young people in our care.
James says:
“It’s a genuine honour to be appointed CEO of Archway Learning Trust. From my first conversations, I was deeply struck by the strength of the Trust’s ethos and its unwavering commitment to transforming the life chances of every child. That mission – rooted in values I share – resonates strongly with my own belief that every young person deserves to feel they belong and to be equipped for the world of possibilities ahead.”
“Just as important is the commitment to our staff – the people who make the difference every day in our schools. I believe that when colleagues feel valued, supported, and inspired, they thrive – and so do the communities they serve. I’m excited to work alongside such a dedicated team to build on the Trust’s strengths and help shape an ambitious and inclusive future together.”
James is a values-led and experienced Chief Executive Officer who has spent over 20 years championing improvement and equity in education. With a deep belief in the power of education to change lives James has worked his way to becoming a CEO through school leadership.
James’s career started in the classroom, moving through deputy and headteacher roles, and eventually leading Warwickshire’s first single-academy converter. Along the way, he’s led school turnarounds, supported leadership teams across different regions, and earned praise from Ofsted for exceptional leadership.
James believes that every child deserves to attend a great school — one that is inclusive, inspiring, and built on genuine relationships. That belief is at the heart of his focus creating systems where children, staff, and communities feel they belong, can thrive, and are well-prepared for the world ahead.
People who have worked with James comment on his calm, inclusive style and strong moral compass. He is proud of the trusted relationships he has built with regulators, stakeholders, and peers. A Local Leader of Education and a professional coach to executive leaders, James enjoys contributing nationally to school improvement and leadership development.
In summary, James has a clear purpose: to make a difference that truly transforms lives and is looking to working with us all and meeting as many colleagues as possible over the coming weeks and months.