School 'saved' from closure after global effort

The school is one of the last remaining Steiner schools in the south-west of England

A school which offers an alternative type of education has been "saved" from closure thanks to a global fundraising effort.

The Bristol Steiner School (BSS) is one of two official Steiner schools left in the south-west of England.

Parents from across the world donated £210,000 to save the school, based on Redland Hill, and BSS was also loaned £770,000.

"Everyone is elated - it's wild we managed to raise the money," said the chair of the school's Parent Teacher Friends Association.

"It's been an amazing experience - it's been hard work but the whole community has come together and pulled together," she added.

'Impossible task'

The school celebrated its 50th year in 2023 and has the motto "education is a journey not a race".

Parent Matilda said she was "hugely shocked" when she found out the school could close.

"We thought it was an impossible task to save it.

"But it's testament to how hard the group of parents have worked and how important the school is.

"My daughter is very sensitive and she has just flourished. She really enjoys the daily structure and routine - it's such a gentle environment."

The legal process to exit administration is now being completed.

A publicly-funded Steiner school in Fishponds, Bristol, closed in 2019 after the academy was thrown into special measures.

During the same year, state-funded Steiner schools in Devon and Somerset closed.

What is a Steiner education?

The Steiner school curriculum was designed by Rudolph Steiner between 1861 and 1925.

Up until the age of 12 or 13, pupils are taught by one teacher.

Children do not start learning to read or write until after they are seven or eight years old.

Classes have a daily routine which include song and dance.

Pupils do complete their GCSEs and A-Levels, but are exempt from SAT exams.