James graduated from the University of York with first class honours in biology and educational studies, finishing the year as its highest placed student. From there he began work in the magazine industry and was the editor of a national newsstand magazine at the age of 24. At 27 he was the British Society of Magazine Editors ‘Specialist Editor of the Year’, and subsequently worked in a range of publishing roles in the UK and US.
James then went on to qualify as a teacher at the University of Cambridge where his thesis on group learning was highly commended. Starting work as a general GCSE science and chemistry A Level teacher, James was soon promoted to Head of Science at a large comprehensive school where he oversaw the successful re-writing of the entire science curriculum. His work improving whole-school outcomes in science was recognised by the consortium of Essex head teachers, and he has worked as a GCSE and A Level examiner across different exam boards.
Since 2025 James has worked extensively with students outside the school environment, from those who find the classroom particularly challenging to those who need to be pushed even further than they are at school. He believes that understanding misunderstanding, and seeing the subject through students’ eyes is the most important skill a teacher brings to their job.