James Fowler

James is a Senior Adviser in the Appointments Team at RSAcademics. He works with schools in the UK and internationally to appoint senior leaders, supporting boards through each stage of the process with wisdom and readiness to understand individual school context.  Drawing on his extensive leadership experience, James helps governors define leadership needs, assess candidates effectively and make confident, long-term decisions. 

Before joining RSAcademics, James was Head of The Aldenham Foundation for 16 years, overseeing its expansion both in the UK and overseas. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Highgate School as Principal Deputy Head and at Brentwood School as Head of Sixth Form, following teaching posts in Cardiff. Prior to entering education, James worked in advertising as an Account Manager, having read Theology at New College, Oxford, where he was also a Choral Scholar. 

James has inspected over 20 schools for ISI and accredited several HMC schools as Vice Chair of the HMC Membership Committee. He also served as HMC’s representative to the International Confederation of Principals. He is currently Chair of Governors at St John’s School, Northwood, and has held governance roles across the sector.