Chief Executive Officer

James Ludlow

James is a highly experienced educator with more than 30 years in teaching (modern foreign languages) and leadership roles. He has served as a senior leader for over 17 years across schools in Birmingham and the Black Country, including 10 years as a secondary Principal. His leadership journey has included key roles where he has driven school improvement, strengthened leadership capacity, and secured strong Ofsted and SIAMS outcomes.

As Principal of Joseph Leckie Academy from 2021, James embedded a renewed strategic vision, improved governance and financial sustainability, and led the academy to a Good Ofsted judgement in all categories. Since 2023, James has worked collaboratively with a team of senior leaders across local schools to successfully establish The Forge Brook Trust, where he now serves as Chief Executive Officer.

James is a passionate advocate for careers education and has worked extensively with the Careers and Enterprise Company and the West Midlands Combined Authority Careers Networks. His leadership in this area has helped shape regional and national careers provision, particularly in areas of high need.

He continues to champion partnership working, having developed the Walsall Police and Schools Panel and actively contributed to strategic education groups including the Walsall Learning Alliance where he is currently the chairperson, Walsall 2040 Partnership, Schools Forum, and the Children and Young People’s Alliance. James is committed to community engagement and school-to-school collaboration.

A visible and values-driven leader, James is dedicated to developing others, fostering inclusive learning environments, and ensuring high expectations and wellbeing across the Trust.