Andy Johnson - BA (Hons), MSc (Managing School Improvement), PgCert, QTS, NPQH, SLE, FCCT

Following an earlier career in youth and charity work, Andy joined the profession as a trainee RE teacher at Maiden Erlegh School and has since been with the organisation for over twenty years. He held a variety of middle and senior leadership positions before joining the team to lead the Trust’s first free school in east Reading in 2015. He was appointed Headteacher in 2018 and led the work to sustainably grow the school to 900 students and to provide high quality education within a vibrant and successful community. In 2020 Andy was appointed to the Principal Designate role for River Academy, developing the Trust's exciting new school project to serve communities in north and west Reading.  He carried out this role alongside directing the provision of high-quality education and care across the schools in our Trust until June 2023 when a new Principal Designate was appointed allowing Andy to focus on his role as Director of Education. 

Andy has extensive experience in leading and developing highly performing teams and has provided school to school improvement support to a number of schools.  He facilitates leadership NPQ training, has presented at a number of national conferences and DfE events and is an experienced Ofsted Inspector and school governor.