Steiner Academy Hereford

Academy, single form entry, all through

Approach overview

We offer an education that enables children to experience childhood fully while enabling them to become responsible, free individuals who can think clearly and considerately, observe perceptively and act constructively for the good of the world. We provide a co-educational school for children from early childhood right through to school leaving age.

The Steiner Waldorf approach is based on the simple but profound insight that children learn in different ways at different stages of their development. Pupils learn traditional subjects through distinctive and time-tested teaching methods that serve the children’s intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual development in ways that are suited to their age:

Signature practices

  • A mixed-age kindergarten offers continuous, play-based learning until the age of six.
  • A rich, creative curriculum supports each child’s development, avoiding pressure to meet externally imposed age-related expectations.
  • Children typically have the same main teacher for seven years.
  • Minimal focus on formal testing and assessment in primary phase.
  • Experiential learning is prioritised, integrating thinking, feeling, and doing—the “head, heart, and hands” approach.
  • Traditional subjects like Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Geography, and History are woven into 3-4 week cross-curricular blocks, each lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours each morning.
  • Within the framework of age-appropriate themes and learning expectations, teachers have the autonomy to create a bespoke curriculum for their class.
  • A largely screen-free learning environment is maintained until the equivalent of Year 7.
  • From age six, specialist teaching enriches the curriculum, including Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), Eurythmy (a form of artistic dance/movement), Music, Handwork, Landwork, and crafts such as woodwork, pottery, and forging.
  • Singing, poetry recitation, and movement are daily routines.
  • A relational approach to behaviour emphasises restorative practices and positive behaviour for learning.

Steiner Academy Hereford's testimonials

Why we joined the Next Big 10

We are very excited to be a part of the Rethinking School project. We are looking forward to sharing our educational approach and learning from other schools. We are seeking to deliver a strong Waldorf education that meets the needs of children and young learners in today’s world. Our dynamic leadership team is developing and learning to lead with heart felt integrity. We hope this project is exactly what we need to strengthen our practice, deliver change and tell our story
Kate Andrews, Principal
We are very excited to join the Rethinking School project. Waldorf education’s holistic, child-centered philosophy, which nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility, aligns with Big Education's vision for transformative learning. Although we value our established pedagogical approach and curriculum, change is essential to meet the evolving needs of today's children and young people. By taking part in this project, we want to reflect on and enhance our practice, ensuring that our methods continue to foster not only academic excellence but also the personal and social growth of each person - adults and children alike
Kath Bransby, Curriculum Development Lead

Video case studies

Video case study 1

Steiner Academy Hereford's Change Team

Kate Andrews

Principal

Anna Elliot

Lower School lead, Handwork teacher

Kath Bransby

Curriculum Development Lead

Chris Nethercott

science lead

Melanie Nycamp

Kindergarten Lead

Ivan Krapivin

Class teacher, D of E lead

Staff login

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