Riverston School Review 2026: Inclusive & Specialist Support

Not an exam factory but a sanctuary where education is fitted to the child, not the other way around. Riverston School sits on Eltham Road, occupying a site that feels less like an institution and more like a large, bustling family home. Serving children from 9 months to 21 years, the school specialises in supporting those with mild to moderate learning difficulties, including autism and dyslexia, alongside neurotypical siblings. It is a place where "inclusion" is the operating system, not just a buzzword.

At drop-off, the gates reveal a calm, orderly scene that defies the frenetic pace of typical London schools. The main building, a white-stuccoed villa, anchors a campus that has evolved to include specialist facilities without losing its domestic scale. There is no hustle in the corridors; transitions between lessons are managed with a quiet purpose that minimises anxiety.

Mr G Baker, the Head Teacher, leads with a clear vision of inclusivity. His leadership focuses on removing barriers to learning, whether they are sensory, emotional, or academic. The atmosphere is one of acceptance rather than pressure. Pupils do not compete against each other; they compete against their own previous bests.

The school operates on a philosophy that emotional security must precede academic progress. This is visible in the interactions between staff and students, which are warm, respectful, and frequent. The uniform is worn, but the strictness of enforcement is tempered by an understanding of sensory needs.

We do not publish standard league table rankings for Riverston School. To compare its raw exam results against selective grammar schools or large comprehensives would be misleading, given the specific profile of the cohort.

The school follows the National Curriculum but adapts it significantly. Classes rarely exceed ten students, allowing teachers to tailor delivery to individual processing speeds. For many pupils, progress is measured not just in GCSE grades but in the restoration of confidence after negative experiences in mainstream settings.

In 2024, the school entered pupils for a range of qualifications suited to their abilities. While raw attainment scores are statistically below the England average, they represent significant achievement for students with complex learning profiles. The focus is on securing passes in core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science) alongside vocational qualifications that build practical skills.

The Sixth Form and College provision extends this support up to age 21, offering BTECs and vocational pathways alongside A-levels for those for whom it is appropriate. The goal is independence, whether that leads to university or employment.

Support is not an add-on here; it is the fabric of the school day. The multi-disciplinary team includes Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT), Occupational Therapists, and counsellors who work alongside classroom teachers.

Therapy is integrated into lessons rather than always requiring withdrawal. A speech therapist might support a history lesson to ensure vocabulary is understood, while occupational therapy strategies are embedded in handwriting and PE sessions. The school offers specific support for social communication, helping students navigate the unwritten rules of social interaction that can often be baffling for those with ASD.

There is a dedicated sensory room for students who need to regulate their sensory input, and staff are trained to spot the early signs of dysregulation before it escalates.

The path from Riverston is varied. In 2024, 15% of leavers progressed to university, while 23% moved on to Further Education colleges to pursue specific vocational training.

The school prepares students for transition carefully. For some, this means a supported internship; for others, it is a creative arts degree. The focus is on finding the right next step, not just the most academic one.

Admissions are non-selective academically but highly selective regarding the school's ability to meet a child's needs. The process begins with a visit and a meeting with the Head or Registrar.

Following this, prospective pupils attend taster days (usually two or three). These are critical. They allow the school to observe the child in the classroom and social settings, and they allow the child to feel if the environment is right. The school reviews educational psychology reports and current EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) where applicable.

Riverston is not a school for students with severe behavioural difficulties (SEMH) that would disrupt the learning of others. The cohort is settled and generally compliant; the school protects this calm atmosphere carefully.

Pastoral care is led by form tutors who act as the primary link for families. The small size of the school means that changes in a child's demeanour are spotted immediately.

The "Team Around the Child" approach ensures that information is shared effectively between academic staff, therapists, and the pastoral team. Bullying is rare, largely because the high staff-to-student ratio allows for constant supervision and the ethos of the school celebrates difference explicitly.

Despite its small size, the school offers a commendable range of enrichment activities. The timetable includes "Skills for Life" sessions, which might cover anything from cooking to travel training.

Sport is adapted to be inclusive. The school uses local facilities for swimming and larger team sports. Specific clubs include Lego Therapy, coding, art, and choir.

Trips are frequent and carefully risk-assessed to ensure all students can participate. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered and is popular, providing a structured framework for developing independence and resilience.

Riverston School fees are structured based on the level of support required. For the 2025/2026 academic year, fees range from approximately £3,900 to £24,200 per term, reflecting the significant difference between standard tuition and intensive 1:1 specialist provision.

Many families fund places through Local Authority Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), though private funding is also common. The school does not typically offer means-tested bursaries or scholarships due to the bespoke nature of the provision, but families are advised to discuss funding options during the admissions process.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Wraparound care is available for younger children in the nursery and prep phases.

The school is located on Eltham Road (A20), making it accessible from across South East London and Kent. Lee station is a short walk away, providing rail links to London Bridge and Charing Cross. There is no on-site parking for parents, but drop-off arrangements are managed carefully to ensure safety.

Funding Complexity: Fees vary significantly based on the tier of support (e.g., therapy hours, 1:1 aide). Families must have a clear understanding of which tier their child requires before committing.

Cohort Mix: The school educates neurotypical children alongside those with SEN. Families should ensure they are comfortable with this inclusive model, which benefits all students but differs from a purely specialist or purely mainstream environment.

Not for Severe Needs: Riverston supports mild to moderate needs. It is not equipped for profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) or severe behavioural challenges that require physical intervention.

Facilities Constraints: The site is charming but compact. It lacks the expansive playing fields of larger independent schools. Sport often requires travel to off-site venues.

Riverston School offers a lifeline for families who feel their child is drowning in the mainstream system but is too able for a severe special needs school. It is a place of gentle ambition, where "success" is redefined as personal growth and happiness. Best suited to children with mild to moderate learning needs or autism who thrive in a small, nurturing, and non-judgemental environment. The main challenge is determining if the specific peer group matches your child's needs.