Andy Hartley is appointed Headteacher to lead River Academy
River Academy is delighted to announce that Andy Hartley has been appointed Headteacher to our brand new school opening to Year 7 students in September 2024.
The appointment of Andy Hartley as Principal Designate of River Academy is an exciting development for the school. Andy is an experienced headteacher who has a track record of success as a senior leader and headteacher in three different local schools. Indeed, his current school, Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge has seen a significant turnaround in its fortunes, with a rapidly growing roll, hugely improved GCSE results and an OFSTED inspection grade that went from ‘Inadequate’ when he took over the school over to ‘Good’ in 2022.
Statement from Andy Hartley, Principal Designate:
To be the founding Principal of River Academy is such an honour and a privilege. The buildings and state-of-the-art facilities alongside a curriculum and culture set up to achieve the very best outcomes for the students of River Academy will provide such a superb secondary education experience for our learning community. I am determined that from the moment the students arrive they will be stretched, challenged and supported to become the very best versions of themselves as we develop a school that sits at the heart of the local community, supporting the local and national employment markets. I can’t wait for the doors to finally open in September 2024!
Statement from Maiden Erlegh Trust:
Over the past four years Andy has exemplified all the traits and characteristics that we believe are necessary in a school leader when developing a brand-new school. We are delighted to have been able to retain Andy within our Maiden Erlegh Trust community and now look forwards with huge optimism to supporting him in the development of River Academy, and to seeing Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge flourish under a new Headteacher. Andy will take up his new appointment from January 2024.
On behalf of the Trust Board, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks for the work that Andy has done for the Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge community during his four years as Headteacher and look forward to supporting him in the development and opening of River Academy.
The process to recruit the new Headteacher for Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge will commence immediately and we are optimistic of attracting a strong national field for what is undoubtedly a fabulous role at a wonderful school.
Jonathon Peck (CEO, Maiden Erlegh Trust) and Nick Jones (Chair of the Trust Board)