Striving to help students become free, resilient, creative human beings
South Devon
Steiner School
Our Brand New School Prospectus
Education for the whole human being.
Discover our approach to learning, the journey through each stage of the school and the experiences that help our pupils grow in confidence, curiosity and independence.
Welcome to our school
Nestled in the rolling hills on the edge of Dartmoor, South Devon Steiner School is a co-educational school for children aged 3 to 19, set on 8 acres of grounds near Dartington, surrounded by fields of organic and biodynamic vegetables and the quiet rhythms of the natural world.
Following the Steiner Waldorf curriculum, we believe children understand the world most deeply when learning feels meaningful and alive. Each child is seen as an individual, guided through a curriculum that evolves as they grow. In the early years, learning is rich in play, story, art and outdoor experience, becoming increasingly academic as children progress through the school. In the secondary school, pupils engage with a full and rigorous curriculum across sciences, humanities and languages, still enriched by the artistic and practical threads that run through every stage of a Steiner education.
Learning here unfolds through direct experience, observation and personal involvement rather than instruction alone. Small classes, a close-knit community and a deep connection to the natural world create the conditions in which children truly thrive.
The Early Years
(Ages 2 – 6)
For children between the ages of 2 to 6 our Kindergartens are like a warm loving home. Learning happens naturally through active involvement, rhythm, repetition and imitation…
Lower School
(Ages 6 – 11)
Between the ages of 6 and 11 the children are taught, guided and inspired by their class teacher. For five years this one individual teaches the children not only literacy and numeracy but…
Middle School
(Ages 11 – 14)
From Class Six, pupils move into our High School, where they are held by a Class Guardian who is responsible for their pastoral care, and by a team of specialist subject teachers who are…
Upper School
(Ages 14 – 18)
Our programme is different from most other educational settings because we offer an inspiring, creative and intelligent curriculum (Steiner Waldorf) and a genuine alternative…
Early Years
(3 – 6 years)
For children between the ages of 3 to 6 our Kindergartens are like a warm loving home. Learning happens naturally through active involvement, rhythm, repetition and imitation…
Lower School
(6 – 11 years)
Between the ages of 6 and 11 the children are taught, guided and inspired by their class teacher. For five years this one individual teaches the children not only literacy and numeracy but…
Middle School
(11-14 years)
From Class Six, pupils move into our High School, where they are held by a Class Guardian who is responsible for their pastoral care, and by a team of specialist subject teachers who are…
Upper School
(14 – 18 years)
Our programme is different from most other educational settings because we offer an inspiring, creative and intelligent curriculum (Steiner Waldorf) and a genuine alternative…
Solve The Riddle In Every Child
At first glance, our school is not unusual. However, if you look deeper, you will probably notice a unique energy, commitment, and passion that runs throughout the core of the school and its community.
A high school Maths teacher once remarked that the challenge of being a Steiner teacher is to solve the riddle in every child. This interpretation is supported by a Steiner-Waldorf curriculum which endeavours to enrich the lives of children, parents and teachers alike.
We aim to work with and develop this heritage in order to impart to our children values such as confidence, self-motivation, and creativity, an appetite for learning, an ability to work with others, practical skills, tolerance towards others and the ability to adapt and meet change enthusiastically.
Main Lessons are presented in such a way that the children use all their senses to feel, think and experience the subject. This keeps children engaged, and engenders an enthusiasm for learning that lasts into adulthood.
Overall the curriculum is broad, balancing academic with artistic and physical subjects such as Music, Art, Handwork, Wood and Metalwork.
Children understand concepts through experience
This way, we provide a dynamic learning environment where all students are encouraged to find and pursue their passions.
Our intelligent curriculum integrates ethical values with creative exploration and experiential learning in order to prepare students for university and the world of work, and put them on a path to self-discovery.
We believe education is an act of transformation which we achieve by combining intellectually curious students with outstanding teachers in a programme that is both academically challenging and personally supportive: the results are a joy to behold.
Students who come here are energised by learning.
Through engaging classes, rich performing arts, community service, clubs, sports, and more, they find themselves and discover the world beyond college. Ultimately, this balanced approach allows our students to find joy in learning and inspiration to effect positive change in the world. They learn how to make a difference.
Learning In A Steiner School Is A Non-competitive Activity
Learning in a Steiner school is a non-competitive activity. Reports are replaced by detailed evaluations of the child at the end of each school year. Tests are informal and exams are introduced in the Upper School.
The school journey at South Devon Steiner School is characterised by learning, team work, engagement, mindfulness, self-confidence, optimism and joy, resulting in confident, self-assured and creative young adults.
If you’d like to know more about our school, please contact our Admissions department via email on enquiries@sdsteiner.org, or call +44(0)1803 897 377.
