I have enjoyed 30 years in our wonderful school which embodies all that is good in education, valuing the happiness and personal growth of each child above all things. York Steiner School fosters a love of learning and enquiry, helping pupils to become kind, collaborative, creative, independent and resilient learners with the capacity and agency to make an impact on the world. Very few schools live out their values authentically as we do. So many are struggling with large class sizes, a reduced curriculum and an over-emphasis on testing leading to a rise in anxiety.

York Steiner School stands out because we let children be children; we encourage them to explore, breathe, make connections, feel, play, imagine, think. We seek to help children find the joy of learning through physical movement and doing, through the realm of the feelings as they respond to the world around them, through developing the thinking skills that help them appreciate and understand that world. Our curriculum is both detailed and broad, rooted in sound educational practice with a deep understanding of child development at its core, honing the physical, emotional and intellectual capacities of each child holistically.

We are confident that our pupils leave our school with the tools to thrive in a competitive world whilst instilling in them the ability to lead a happy and balanced life with joy and self-assurance.

We are a truly unique school. We do things differently and we make no apology for that- therein lies the magic and I would strongly encourage you come to one of our Enquirers’/Open Mornings to see this for yourselves.

Tracey Lucas – Headteacher

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This is a place where children are celebrated and expert teachers and specialists deliver exciting, hands-on lessons in imaginative and inspiring ways.

This is a place where children love to learn.

We’re part of a family of 27 successful UK and Irish Steiner schools and 1,100 worldwide where, in many countries, Steiner schools are part of state-funded education and considered mainstream.

We are the fastest growing educational movement in the world and here in York we’re celebrating more than 40 years of providing exceptional education for thousands of children – both locally and those visiting from abroad. Waldorf Steiner education has been going for more than 100 years however and you can find out more here:

Our teachers work with more than 200 pupils from babyhood, through Parent and Child Groups, Early Years and on into the eight classes in Lower and Middle School and then to Upper School, graduating at age 16 with the qualification and skills they need to study A Level, T Level, Apprenticeship and Vocational courses.

Classes are kept small for close attention from teachers and the school days are packed with academic lessons, practical work (our children are allowed to use tools and build things), music, art, sport and drama. Weather allowing, much of this will happen outdoors.

If the children are studying trees – we take them to a forest. If they are learning about history – we’ll take them to a castle.

Waldorf is an holistic education with a creative, developmentally appropriate and academically rigorous approach. It aims to develop a child's emotional, spiritual, physical and academic potential equally. We call this 'Head, Heart and Hands' and through this approach we help children to be happy at school and develop the life skills they will need to thrive.

Schools are inclusive and non-selective. An interdisciplinary curriculum uniquely interweaves artistic and physical activities with academic learning including science and maths. Teaching takes into account the distinct stages of child development so that when, how and what children are taught engages with the way they naturally learn. Formal learning starts at age six allowing time for the youngest children to develop through play, imitation and exploration which fosters a sense of wellbeing and emotional resilience. The learning environment is one of warmth, empathy and appreciation which builds confidence without the need for high-stakes testing. In the upper school, a focus on questioning, discussion and research enables Waldorf students to leave school not just with good qualifications but equipped to be creative, curious, collaborative thinkers, strong communicators and imaginative innovators. Waldorf education prepares them for life in the widest sense.

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