James brings a unique blend of commercial and educational experience to AI Schools. Before entering the education sector, he spent five years in corporate finance, developing strategic expertise across international markets in roles spanning accountancy, FP&A, and business partnering.

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He joined the Teach First Leadership Development Programme in 2017 and remains an active Ambassador. Since then, James has held leadership roles in UK boarding schools, including serving as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

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At AI Schools, he leads business development, drawing on his background in strategy, safeguarding, and school leadership to support organisations in strengthening their resilience and crisis preparedness.

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James holds a PGDE, CIMA certification, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from UCL, where he specialised in crisis management. He also continues to serve as a DSL at an independent school.