James has developed parallel careers working in the creative industries and education over the last thirty years. Teaching music, sound production and teacher education he has worked across phases from primary to postgraduate before completing his PhD in 2021 whilst working as an assistant principal/SENCo at a specialist SEN FE College. Prior to that he was shortlisted for and awarded ‘highly recommended’ TES FE Teacher of the Year.
James has research interests in creative arts education, project-based learning, and students as curriculum leaders. A passionate advocate for SEND, social justice and sustainability, James is currently a researcher and lecturer at the Plymouth Institute of Education. He still writes songs, performs, and releases music under the moniker ‘Baldguy’ and will bend the ear of anyone foolish enough to ask him about obscure 60’s pop music.