Angela Fairs

Chatsworth Schools has appointed Angela Fairs as the next head of Riverston School and College, starting in September. The school’s current head, David Ward is retiring at the end of the summer term.

Southeast London-based Riverston is a mainstream independent school for pupils aged from 11 to 21 years with particular provision for students with mild learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorder of average ability level. There is also nursery and early years provision catering to children aged from newborn to five years old.

Fairs has worked in the UK and internationally in teaching and senior leadership roles. In 2010 she was appointed head of Dover Court International Junior School in Singapore, and afterwards at Jerudong International School in Brunei, Stamford American International School in Singapore, and Budapest British International School in Hungary.

Since returning to the UK in 2020, Fairs has worked with independent, international and online schools’ chief executives, teachers, boards and speech and language therapists, to develop and implement strategy around innovative inclusion, best SEND practice, and educational technology.

Fairs said “I am a very proud mother of three grown up children who are all neurodiverse, and have developed into incredibly successful happy young adults, full of positivity and self-confidence. I hope to lead everyone at Riverston to achieve more than they think can, and carry on the great work of David in building a caring and nurturing community. I am really looking forward to meeting all the Riverston School students, staff and families and feel incredibly privileged to be joining this amazing school.”

Chatsworth Schools’ founder and chief executive Anita Gleave commented: “I am confident that our new head, Mrs Angela Fairs will continue Riverston’s journey of excellence and improvement and we know that Angela embodies the Chatsworth Schools principles of integrity, resilience and passion. There is no doubt in my mind that she will have a hugely positive impact on Riverston School and College and that she’ll inspire every member of the school’s community to fulfil their potential.

“It was of paramount importance to Chatsworth Schools to appoint an excellent head to continue on from Mr Ward’s successful leadership of Riverston School and College. Angela’s track record speaks for itself and I am certain that she will take the school forward to new heights.”

Ward said: “I’m delighted to hear the news of Angela Fairs’ appointment as new head at Riverston. She has a wealth of knowledge of various schools and is a current governor of a school with SEN provision. With Angela at the helm of Riverston School I know the school will continue to build on Riverston’s excellent reputation for autism where each individual needs are met.”