Leading
Change
After 47 years of successfully delivering the Waldorf curriculum, we are seeing a new wave of interest in what we do. Parents are investigating their child's educational experiences more than ever and we have seen greater demand for an approach that considers the whole child, instill a love of learning and prepares them for life.
The school’s Giving Strategy marks another exciting milestone in the history of the community and its delivery will ensure the continued provision of this unique and impactful educational offer.
The campus is now in need of additional accommodation and an upgrade of facilities. With plans to expand the provision of ICT and additional music capacity along with the need for additional classroom space, significant investment is urgently required. Whilst essential maintenance of the campus is built into our annual budget, we now need to make significant investment to deliver on the development and growth agenda.
A History of Growth
September 1975
Our school opens with 10 pupils on the register, doubling to twenty within the first academic year.
Since it opening in 1975, Holywood Steiner School has welcomed children from all traditions. Influenced by European models of education, our founders saw benefits in delivering the international Waldorf curriculum and sought to provide a truly integrated offering.
August 1976
The school moves to its present location at Highlands, Croft Road, Holywood
Built in the 1880s, this mansion of architectural and historical interest had previously been the home of the Heyn family, owners of the Ulster Steamship Company. It was renamed Saralies House in honour of a beloved founding member, Saralies van den Briel.
Mid-1980s
Demand for places at the school escalates as word spreads of its holistic approach to learning.
The educational approach centres on the whole child, balancing intellectual, artistic and practical skills. This same approach is applied today and the resilience it instills seems even more relevant.
September 1989
Incorporating two new classrooms, Phase 1 is completed by the school’s fifteenth year.
Largely built by the volunteer effort of families attending the school, Phase 1, which incorporated two new classrooms, was completed by September 1989.
1990
Further donations and funding are secured to allow Phase 2 of the campus expansion to begin.
Donations poured in from various sources to allow Phase 1 and 2 to be completed with additional expansion of the Main Building taking place subsequently. Some of these kind benefactors remain as loyal supporters today, for which we are very grateful.
1997 - Kindergarten
A special area within the campus was created for the youngest pupils in the late 1990s. The Vera Tielsch Kindergarten ensures the little ones have a safe, secure environment in which to explore and develop.
2019 - Rest Stop
The front entrance to the school was made more welcoming to pupils and the community at large by the creation of a peaceful, restful space with support from Live Here Love Here.
2020 - Acorns Suite
With the kind support of the Hermes Trust, the school created a multifunctional space, used for individual educational support, a shared library area and quiet space for those who want to catch their breath during the school day.
2021 - Outdoor Classroom
Integral to the Waldorf curriculum is the opportunity to be in nature every day of the year. The school community was delighted to receive support for an outdoor classroom, from Ards and North Down Borough Council.