Farewell to Dr James Biddulph

The founding Headteacher of the University of Cambridge Primary School, Dr James Biddulph will leave his role in December 2023. After a successful nine years’ service to the school and the wider Eddington community, James will continue his own professional learning and development to take on a leadership role at an Academy Trust in London.

Dr James Biddulph led the early planning and mobilisation of the University of Cambridge Primary School, which was the first building to open in Eddington back in 2015, working with the University as sponsor of the school, Faculty of Education, Local Authorities and multiple partners. The purpose of this was to ensure that community building was at the heart of the plans for the new neighbourhood at Eddington.

During his tenure, James has grown the School to its full capacity as a three-form entry primary school with early years provision, where over 670 children from across the county of Cambridgeshire come to learn vital academic and life skills in an open and inclusive environment. The school achieved an OFSTED Outstanding rating in 2018, and educates and inspires children and their families on a daily basis.

As James looks to the future, we spoke to him about his reflections on life at the School and in Eddington.

Lasting memories

Grand Opening

“As a Headteacher, I have worked with thousands of children, multiple teaching assistants, teachers and senior educational leaders. One of the highlights from my time here goes back to the preparations for the first day when the school opened. The children arrived with their freshly pressed uniforms, dropped off by their parents who were in tears and clapping their children as they walked through the doors. It reminded me of the responsibility and the privilege of educating children.”

Carnival

“Looking back, one of most wonderful events that happened at the School was a carnival that we ran at the end of our Arts week in Summer 2018. We collaborated with local partners including a secondary school samba band and paraded flags in a happy celebration. Together, we danced around the streets of Eddington and you’ll see embarrassing pictures of me dressed as a dragon-fly, embracing the spirit of the day!”

The promise of Eddington

“Three important themes that I know Eddington holds dear are: the importance of sustainability, the value of community making, and the excitement and promise of future place making. The community at Eddington is growing and evolving; it hasn’t yet realised its full potential which is an important perspective as both an educator and a human. It has been a huge honour to have been part of the making of this community and to serve the children in this new part of the City.”

Visit our Instagram profile to hear more from James and the values of community, collaboration and compassion which have underpinned his work at the School.

James will be taking a leadership role at the Avanti Schools Academy Trust in London in 2024.