Andrew Hartley - BA (Hons) PGCE

Before Andy Hartley was appointed Headteacher of River Academy, he was Headteacher at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge.  Since January 2024, Andy has been working full-time on the River Academy project.

Andy began teaching in the 1990s at Little Heath School in Reading before enjoying a few years teaching in Kuwait. On his return, he worked at Edgbarrow School in Crowthorne as Head of History, followed by a spell as Head of Year and four years as Head of Sixth Form.

Then followed a move to the Downs School in Compton where, as Assistant Head, Andy oversaw the Sixth Form in particular. Whilst here, the school achieved some phenomenal exam results which led to some national recognition and speaking engagements at large conferences.

From there, Andy was appointed Deputy Headteacher at Brakenhale School in Bracknell. Working as part of a team, the school was transformed in a matter of four years, leading to the first student successfully gaining a place at Oxford University in the school's 50-year history, to a very successful OFSTED inspection and to a hugely oversubscribed school after many years of decline and underperformance.

Out of school, Andy spends most weekends on the touchline or courtside watching his children play sport. When time permits, he still plays a bit of football, a bit of golf and goes for the odd run.

Establishing a new school is a team effort and the project team responsible for establishing River Academy draws on a wide range of skills and expertise that exists within Maiden Erlegh Trust.