Founded in 1925, this is the oldest and most established of the Steiner Waldorf schools in the UK. It has a fine rural site in its own parkland on the edge of Ashdown Forest and a mile from the village centre of Forest Row. Almost entirely a day school, boarding is arranged in the homes of families with children at the school. It offers a very broad education to boys and girls from pre-school to university entrance, based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. The curriculum embodies cultural studies, sciences, general arts and humanities, crafts, music and movement and foreign languages. Art, music and drama are very important elements in the school life. EFL is available in term time. The school explains its educational ethos, curriculum and approach to prospective parents at open mornings. A fair range of sports, games and extra-curricular activities is offered.
Pupils: Total age range 2½-19; 510 pupils, 494 day (222 boys, 272 girls), 16 boarding (8 boys, 8 girls). Junior department 2½-14, 410 pupils (185 boys, 225 girls). Senior department 14-18, 100 pupils (45 boys, 55 girls). Entrance: Non-selective and no streaming; for sixth-form entry, interview and GCSE grade C (preferably higher) in sixth-form subjects.
No scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available. Parents expected to pay for some outings, optional meals etc.
Head: Chair of the College of Teachers, elected annually. Teaching staff: 46 full time, 24 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 49.
GCSE: On average, 30 pupils in upper fifth, 75% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 19 in upper sixth, achieving an average final point score of 260.
60% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year). Others typically go on to art, drama courses, non-degree courses or straight into careers. Examples of careers that pupils have gone on to include 3D sustainable design; journalism; theoretical physics; social work; olympic snow boarding; event management; medicine; shipbroking; construction (design and build); fashion design; midwifery.
GCSE, AS and A-levels; OCN (Open College Network) accredited portfolios. Some 12 subjects offered in addition to the Warldorf curriculum. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: EFL programme. Languages: French and German (from age 6) offered at GCSE and A-level; also Spanish A-level.
Music: All pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 6+ musical groups including orchestras, choirs, several chamber ensembles. Drama and movement: Both offered. All pupils involved in school and other productions. Art and design: Design, pottery, stage design, costume design, practical landscaping and individual arts projects.
Sport: Basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, orienteering, cross-country, athletics, softball, tennis, cricket, climbing, canoeing, sailing. County basketball league. Up to 10 clubs, eg sports, drama, music.
Uniform: No school uniform. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses, prefects or head boy/girl. Religion: Christian, non-denominational. Social: Some musical productions with other local schools. Art history trip to Italy, and opportunities for exchanges with sister schools (over 890 worldwide). Lunch self-service.
School has specific policies relating to behaviour, use of illegal substances, bullying as well as general school rules. The response to a breach of any of rules or guidelines will depend on the nature of the breach (how serious, whether it was a first offence etc). The school aims to support students to resolve issues to a point where they are not compromising their own or their peers' education. All actions are closely monitored by the school's pastoral care team.
Arranged with families who have children at the school.
Old scholars' association run via the school (email info@michaelhall.co.uk)
Martyn Boysens (mountaineer); Oliver Tobias (actor); Sean Yates (international cyclist); Bella Freud (Young Designer of the Year); Estella Freud (actress, writer); Prof John Pearce (author and professor in child/adolescent psychiatry).
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