Headmaster Kevin Riley

In September 2009, Mr Riley will become Head Master of the Thai capital’s Harrow International School. Like The John Lyon School, the Bangkok school is part of the Harrow School Foundation, together with Harrow International School in Beijing and Harrow School itself.

Mr Riley has been Headmaster at The John Lyon School since January 2005, having previously been in charge of Bristol Cathedral School.

“Although I’ve been very happy at The John Lyon School and will be sorry to leave, I am really looking forward to taking on this new challenge,” he said. “I have always been interested in international approaches to education and it is clear that there is an expanding interest in British education in the boom economies of the Far East.

“From a personal perspective, my own children are grown up and my wife, Elspeth, and I do not have elderly parents to look after, so when this opportunity presented itself, we thought ‘why not?’

“I’m happy to be leaving The John Lyon School in good shape, with demand for places high and a ten-year strategy to develop the School site now underway with the construction of our new science block.”

The Governors of The John Lyon School will be advertising for Mr Riley’s replacement as Headmaster in due course.

The Chairman of the Harrow School Foundation, Peter Siddons, said: “The Foundation is delighted that Kevin Riley is becoming Head of Harrow International Bangkok; his understanding of how the Foundation operates and his international experience will be invaluable as he takes the school forward.”

Mr Riley’s appointment was also welcomed by Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairperson of Harrow International Bangkok’s Board of Governors, who said: “During his time at The John Lyon School, the School's reputation has been enhanced considerably. We are indeed fortunate that an experienced Head of this calibre is keen to come and join us in Bangkok.”

Mr Riley will replace Dr Mark Hensman, who is being promoted to a new role managing the expansion of the Harrow International schools and their future development and co-ordination.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of The John Lyon School