It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce myself as the headteacher of the brand-new River Academy. River Academy which will open to Year 7 in September 2024, is a new secondary school, sited on Richfield Avenue in Reading and is being run by Maiden Erlegh Trust.

This new state-of-the-art, purpose built secondary school will be serving the need for additional school places in the Reading area. The buildings will contain specialist teaching facilities in all areas of the curriculum including a wonderful hall, drama studio and sports studio.

To be the founding Headteacher of a new school is an incredible professional opportunity and I will be building upon my success as headteacher of Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge. In my current school, we have seen a transformation of the school’s reputation regarding behaviour and culture, academic rigour and its place in the community and I will be building upon this at River Academy.

My intention is to make sure our students feel great pride in the school and implement the Trust values of Aim High, Work Together and Be Inclusive into their daily lives. 

I invite you to look around the website where there is a wealth of information.  In addition, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have by emailing river@maidenerleghtrust.org

Andrew Hartley, Principal Designate