James Parkinson

A truly inspirational headteacher, James has led De Lacy Primary School on a transformational journey. Located in a complex community with levels of deprivation significantly above the national average, James is committed to ensuring that pupils leave the school prepared, both academically and personally, to achieve greater life chances. Through his visionary leadership, De Lacy’s Ofsted rating has improved from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’, and outcomes that were previously in the bottom 10% are now in the top 13% nationally. James embodies the school’s motto of ‘Widening Horizons’, which is woven into every aspect of school life and promotes a culture of ambition and inclusion. He has embedded highly effective initiatives to inspire pupils to aim high and not be defined by their postcode. A passionate member of his community, James is a role model and advocate for disadvantaged pupils, and his commitment to positively shape lives continues to echo throughout the community and beyond.