Here are ten ways in which you may find the Steiner Waldorf approach is different from that of other schools:

  
There is no Head Teacher or Principal – the School is managed on a non-hierarchical collegiate basis by the College of Teachers.  
     
Reading, writing and arithmetic are introduced at a later stage than in other schools in the UK. Even though the children start formal learning later than in state schools, they are more mature when they do start and progress is more secure. Within a few years they are working at the same level as their state school peers.
  
     
All pupils study all subjects. For example, both boys and girls will learn sewing and knitting, metalwork and woodwork.  

 

   
From age 7 until the age of 14, children have the same Class Teacher, which gives a real sense of security and continuity to the pupils. From the age of 15 onwards, pupils are supported by their Class Sponsor.  
From the age of 7, children receive an uninterrupted 2-hour ‘Main Lesson’ each day, which allows them time to engage more deeply with the learning process. Main Lesson topics are studied for periods of three to four weeks, allowing children to reach much greater depths of understanding.
 
     
Between the ages of 7 and 14, children use few textbooks – instead they learn to prepare their own illustrated and hand-written main lesson books as they go along. In the early classes, the teacher often dictates some of the text after thorough discussion of the subject matter with the class. In later years the children start writing and drawing their own accounts of the lesson and finally even bind the books themselves. This experience lays the basis for the independent taking of notes during classes in the Upper School.  
     
As the School teaches the International Waldorf Curriculum rather than the National Curriculum, pupils do not take SATS tests. Instead, they receive continuous qualitative assessment to check their growth in human, social and academic spheres. This allows school life to be an enjoyable learning experience for pupils and professionally rewarding for teachers.
  
     
Pupils usually sit GCSEs and A levels one year later than in other schools. The pass rate at GCSE, AS and A levels is generally well above the national average.
 
     
There is no school uniform. Pupils can wear clothing of their choice, within certain limits.
  
     

Steiner Waldorf schools in the UK and Ireland, unlike most of their counterparts in Europe, receive no state support. They are, however, dedicated to social inclusivity, although this presents economic challenges. Steiner Waldorf schools, at present, thrive thanks to financial sacrifices by parents and staff.