The Aldgate School

The Aldgate School is a unique Church of England school in the heart of the City of London. The school was founded over 300 years ago and to this day they remain proudly supported by their trustees, The Portal Trust. They are the only maintained school in the City of London and enjoy many benefits from this unique relationship.

The Aldgate School’s aim is to provide an exceptional education for every child. To nurture their talents, strive for excellence and inspire young people to be the best they can be. Their pupils learn in a safe and caring environment where everyone is valued. They prepare their children for life in all it's fullness and as a result, pupils leave them as active citizens, ready for their next steps in the world. The Aldgate School believe education is a partnership between home and school.

James Roe has been the Art and Design lead at the Aldgate School for the last 10 years. Originally trained as a secondary teacher, he made the move to primary as soon as he finished his PGCE. He was a class teacher for seven years until joining the Aldgate School. There he has developed a skills-based curriculum for the arts and delivering teachers professional development in teaching Art and Design at a primary level. He is totally committed to the teaching of the arts at a primary level and the impact that it has on the students, school and their community.

James joined a Long Table Discussion as part of the activation programme for the 14th edition of Sculpture in the City.