New Head and Director of SEN for Riverston School

Riverston School, a co-educational independent school in South East London, has appointed Mr David A T Ward as Headteacher effective 1^st September 2021 and Miss K’Dee Bernard as Director of SEN, effective immediately.  Riverston School is known for providing a mainstream educational environment with the highest levels of pastoral care, for children with moderate and mild learning needs.

The new appointments follow the retirement of the school’s current Head and Deputy Head, Mrs Sarah Salathiel and Mr Philip Salathiel, at the end of the academic year.

Mr Ward brings a wealth of school leadership experience and a successful track record of supporting the varied needs of students with moderate and complex learning issues within a genuinely inclusive school environment with outstanding results. He has over thirty years’ experience in State and Independent schools across the UK and his previous leadership roles include Headmaster of Saint Felix School in Southwold; Headmaster of Skegness Grammar School in Lincolnshire; Principal of Bredon School in Gloucestershire; Director at St David’s College, North Wales (the latter two being specialist SEN schools); and most recently interim Headmaster at Crown House School in High Wycombe which is owned by Chatsworth Schools.  He has an MA in Educational Studies, is passionate about the Creative Arts and is a former professional Rugby player.

Miss Bernard joins Riverston from Treehouse School, NW10 where she is Curriculum lead. She has worked with children with special educational needs from pre-school through to Sixth Form for over 10 years and previously worked at the Sandringham Primary School and Phoenix School, Bow. She has a BA (Hons) in Psychology, PGCE and is currently studying for her Masters.

David Ward said “Riverston is an exceptional school where pupils thrive and are allowed to fulfil their full potential.  I am thrilled to be joining the school at such an exciting time with several new initiatives being planned, including expansion of the school’s post-16 department”.

Commenting on the announcement, Anita Gleave, Founder and CEO, of Chatsworth Schools, said: “We are delighted that Mr David Ward and Miss K’Dee Bernard are joining Riverston School. They are both committed to the values, ethos and distinctive feel of Riverston and will be real assets for the school. I know they will work tirelessly in the best interests of pupils and staff to enable outstanding futures for all.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Riverston School is a London based small co-educational and non-selective School which celebrates its 95th anniversary in 2021. The School has become synonymous with its ability to support children with moderate learning needs in a caring environment and was acquired by the Lewis family in 1956. Riverston School has a Nursery and Early Years Department for children aged 9 months to 4 years and a Senior School for children aged 11 –19. www.riverstonschool.co.uk 
• The Chatsworth Schools team has extensive experience in nursery, primary and secondary education in the UK and a track record of outstanding educational leadership. There are fourteen schools and nurseries in the Chatsworth Schools group. www.chatsworthschools.com
• For all media enquiries please contact: Harriet Dyball harriet@crosthwaitecommunications.co.uk / 07779 656831