A New Era: James Higham Appointed New CEO of Archway Learning Trust
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 7 May 2025
In one of the most significant leadership transitions in East Midlands education, Archway Learning Trust has announced the appointment of James Higham as its next Chief Executive Officer.
The Trust is Nottingham's biggest Multi Academy Trust (MAT) with 10 academies across Nottingham, Derby and Derbyshire and educates one third of Nottingham’s children. James will take the helm from September 2025, following the retirement of Sian Hampton, who has led the Trust with distinction for over two decades.
James joins from his role as CEO of Multi-Academy Trust, Transforming Lives Education Trust, in Rugby, Warwickshire, and brings more than 20 years of experience in school and trust leadership. With a strong reputation for championing inclusion, improving outcomes, and fostering high-performing school cultures, James is seen by the Board as the ideal candidate to build on Archway’s achievements and lead the Trust into its next phase of development.
Archway Learning Trust conducted an extensive and rigorous recruitment process, reflecting the importance of the role. Following a national search, the Board of Trustees led a robust assessment and selection process involving multiple stakeholder panels and strategic tasks. James emerged as the candidate of choice from a strong field, impressing with his depth of vision, alignment with Archway’s values, and his proven ability to lead with integrity and ambition.
James said:
“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.”
He continued,
“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.”
James will take over from long-serving CEO Sian Hampton, who retires after more than 20 years at the helm. Sian said:
“It has been the greatest privilege of my professional life to lead Archway Learning Trust. I am delighted to be handing over to someone who shares our deep values and commitment to transforming lives through education. I wish James every success and know the Trust will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
With James Higham’s appointment, Archway Learning Trust is poised to continue its mission with renewed energy and purpose, staying true to its values while evolving to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.
