James Benson
Saxmundham
Summary
Focused EDI leader with impressive track record in collaborative, cross-functional teamwork within high-pressure environments. Adept at project planning and managing multiple accounts at once. Dedicated to improving company sales goals and meeting business objectives.
Demonstrates a strong ability to lead teams through leadership development initiatives and performance evaluation strategies. Skilled in curriculum design and implementation, driving organisational growth and efficiency. Committed to leveraging analytical and managerial skills to achieve impactful results in dynamic environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Headteacher
Compass Community Schools
, Suffolk
02.2025 - Current
- Co-ordinated rapid school improvement leading to a ‘Good’ Ofsted inspection (July 2025) following several failed regulatory standards in February 2025
- Increased EBITDA by 17% following financial review and placement fee reviews
- Fostered positive relationships with parents through regular communication and meetings
- Reduced staff absence by 19% through effective monitoring and support systems
- Improved IT infrastructure and user accessibility through redistributing resources
School Governor
St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan MAT
02.2024 - Current
- Lead Governor for vulnerable student progress
- Providing challenge and support to school leaders through attendance at Review Days, sub committe and fully governor board meetings
- Supporting school events and regulator inspections
Lead SENDCO
The Aurora Group
South East England
03.2021 - 02.2025
- Supported schools across the South East with Inclusion leadership including staff development and training; coordinating and leading complex reviews and investigations; quality assurance systems and processes
- Development of financially sustainable placements resulting in increased revenue of over £210 000 across 2 schools
- Research and development proposal for new business opportunities across the East of England
- Lead and supported with the design and implementation of quality assurance systems including Health and Safety, attendance, education pedagogy, inclusion
- Co-ordinated accreditation with Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence for 2 schools
Head of School / Interim Executive Headteacher
Raedwald Trust
Suffolk
01.2020 - 02.2021
- Co ordinated Covid 19 response for 4 schools
- Redistributed staff to allow for bespoke and tailored curriculum to be developed to support student retention
- Managed organisational change through repurposing sites to support student engagement and outcomes
Head of Learning Support
Overall Park School
Suffolk
09.2019 - 12.2019
Executive SENDCO
Dixons Academies Trust
Yorkshire
01.2016 - 08.2019
Teacher of Design and Technology
Benton Park School
Yorkshire
01.2015 - 12.2015
Curriculum Manager - Vocational Education
Camden Council
London
01.2014 - 12.2014
STEM Co-Ordinator
Academies Enterprise Trust
London
09.2010 - 12.2013
Teacher of Design and Technology
Glasgow City Council
Glasgow
08.2009 - 08.2010
Education
NPQH - Education
Best Practice Network
Colchester, Essex12.2023
Level 7 Senior Leader Standard - Leadership
Best Practice Network
Online07.2023
Certificate of Competence - Educational Testing and Access Arrangements
Real Training
Online 07.2016 - 05.2017
PGCert - Special Educational Needs Co-Ordination
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds 11.2015 - 11.2017
BTechEd (Hons) - Education
University of Glasgow
Glasgow 09.2005 - 07.2009
A-Levels - English, Maths, Physics, Technological Studies
Largs Academy
LargsSkills
- Data Analysis
- Conflict Resolution
- Project Management
- Leadership Development
- Performance Evaluation
- Curriculum design and implementation
- Training programme development
- Advanced computer literacy
Timeline
Headteacher
Compass Community Schools
02.2025 - Current
School Governor
St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan MAT
02.2024 - Current
Lead SENDCO
The Aurora Group
03.2021 - 02.2025
Head of School / Interim Executive Headteacher
Raedwald Trust
01.2020 - 02.2021
Head of Learning Support
Overall Park School
09.2019 - 12.2019
Certificate of Competence - Educational Testing and Access Arrangements
Real Training
07.2016 - 05.2017
Executive SENDCO
Dixons Academies Trust
01.2016 - 08.2019
PGCert - Special Educational Needs Co-Ordination
Leeds Beckett University
11.2015 - 11.2017
Teacher of Design and Technology
Benton Park School
01.2015 - 12.2015
Curriculum Manager - Vocational Education
Camden Council
01.2014 - 12.2014
STEM Co-Ordinator
Academies Enterprise Trust
09.2010 - 12.2013
Teacher of Design and Technology
Glasgow City Council
08.2009 - 08.2010
BTechEd (Hons) - Education
University of Glasgow
09.2005 - 07.2009
NPQH - Education
Best Practice Network
Level 7 Senior Leader Standard - Leadership
Best Practice Network
A-Levels - English, Maths, Physics, Technological Studies
Largs Academy
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