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Ringwood Waldorf School
Primary · Independent · Ringwood
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Highly recommended
Where children are nurtured and respected
When we first came to this school almost 9 years ago, I felt so immediately at home. Because we sort of stumbled upon it, it wasn’t even the education system that first convinced me that this was the school for us, although I now love the Waldorf approach to learning, but the idyllic setting, the homely environment, the way the children are nurtured and respected rather than being shouted at or spoken down to. It’s the kind of place you never want to leave and my son feels the same. The other day he said “thank you for sending me to this school. I never want to go anywhere else.”
An oasis for children in a pressured sector
We could not be happier that we moved our daughters here from another private school. We did a lot of research before moving away from 'mainstream' to Steiner/Waldorf education and, to be honest, read mixed opinions. However, the negative voices were by far in the minority and we decided to make the change. The clincher was when we attended an open day here and met some of the Class 12 (Year 13) pupils whom, without exception, we experienced as mature, polite, articulate, aware, and emotionally intelligent; almost beyond their years.
It was the best thing we could have done for us and for our daughters. This alternative approach to education really works, and enables children to foster a love of learning whilst, most importantly, having space to develop at their own pace. They are not pressured to within an inch of their lives and the national obsession with normative and comparative testing does not operate here. By the time the children reach what would be the A-Level years (Classes 11 and 12), they are used to operating and learning almost as university students, using their own nous, their own research, their own discipline, all across a much broader and enlightening curriculum.
For parents, the school is a genuine community. Here there is no arms-length approach to parents, but an embrace; one which brings us together to share in tasks, help with festivals and other events, and make friends. For us, it's just the most special experience to be a real, valued, and functioning part of a school, rather than someone who simply pays the bills and meets teachers once in a blue moon to hear about 'performance'.
This is a private school, in the sense that it is not state-funded and receives no other funding other than what parents contribute. But it is not exclusionary or a bastion of privilege; indeed the opposite could not be more true. Every effort is made to assist families who might need support in making their annual contributions.
Like every school, not everything is perfect. The school does not provide school meals per se, though hot lunches are available most days from classes doing fundraising activities for their trips. Also, though sport is very much part of the curriculum, the school does not have a focus on sports clubs or on a wide variety of sports on site. For us, these elements are not ideal, but in the balance they come out as small issues in comparison with the happiness this school brings us and our girls.
For parents considering, we would wholeheartedly recommend attending one of the many open days or introductory mornings, details of which can be found on the school's website. We love being at the school and try to attend these too, even though we are already parents! See you there?
It was the best thing we could have done for us and for our daughters. This alternative approach to education really works, and enables children to foster a love of learning whilst, most importantly, having space to develop at their own pace. They are not pressured to within an inch of their lives and the national obsession with normative and comparative testing does not operate here. By the time the children reach what would be the A-Level years (Classes 11 and 12), they are used to operating and learning almost as university students, using their own nous, their own research, their own discipline, all across a much broader and enlightening curriculum.
For parents, the school is a genuine community. Here there is no arms-length approach to parents, but an embrace; one which brings us together to share in tasks, help with festivals and other events, and make friends. For us, it's just the most special experience to be a real, valued, and functioning part of a school, rather than someone who simply pays the bills and meets teachers once in a blue moon to hear about 'performance'.
This is a private school, in the sense that it is not state-funded and receives no other funding other than what parents contribute. But it is not exclusionary or a bastion of privilege; indeed the opposite could not be more true. Every effort is made to assist families who might need support in making their annual contributions.
Like every school, not everything is perfect. The school does not provide school meals per se, though hot lunches are available most days from classes doing fundraising activities for their trips. Also, though sport is very much part of the curriculum, the school does not have a focus on sports clubs or on a wide variety of sports on site. For us, these elements are not ideal, but in the balance they come out as small issues in comparison with the happiness this school brings us and our girls.
For parents considering, we would wholeheartedly recommend attending one of the many open days or introductory mornings, details of which can be found on the school's website. We love being at the school and try to attend these too, even though we are already parents! See you there?
We are so pleased we found this school
For our children this school is perfect. We joined in 2023 one child joined in class 1 and the other one in class 6. Our eldest really struggled emotionally through primary school and when she had her trial few days at this school she said “I have found my place”. After looking into the teaching, philosophy and ethos of the school we knew as a family it was the right place for us. The teachers are very nurturing and the kids are really happy.
The school facilities are ample for the size of the school and the school is always looking at ways to improve which is great.
The school is very creative and musical which again suits our two children. It is very different to what we were used to in our previous school but it was the difference that we needed.
To have this school local to us is an absolute blessing and we are so pleased that we found the school.
The school facilities are ample for the size of the school and the school is always looking at ways to improve which is great.
The school is very creative and musical which again suits our two children. It is very different to what we were used to in our previous school but it was the difference that we needed.
To have this school local to us is an absolute blessing and we are so pleased that we found the school.
An exceptional, rare gem of a school!
We have been at this school for 12 years, since my eldest attended parent and child group. I am so glad we found this school and this community and am grateful everyday for the choice we have made sending our children here.
There are many reasons that we remain at Ringwood Waldorf school and intend to do so as long as we can, but some of the stand out ones are that children here are truly nurtured, the curriculum is centred about their needs and their developmental stages rather than governmental targets, they teach through inspiration not pressure, children progress at their pace whilst being continually supported and encouraged to reach out and find out more about what captures their imagination. They have many opportunities to discover and develop their Individual talents and deepen their skills. Truly education is a journey, not a race and children are free to learn without anxiety or being expected to be mini-adults.
The community is incredible and an amazing part of belonging to this school family. The value as a parent to belong to a community like this s not to be underestimated!
I wholeheartedly recommend Ringwood Waldorf School and wish every child could have such a precious start in life.
There are many reasons that we remain at Ringwood Waldorf school and intend to do so as long as we can, but some of the stand out ones are that children here are truly nurtured, the curriculum is centred about their needs and their developmental stages rather than governmental targets, they teach through inspiration not pressure, children progress at their pace whilst being continually supported and encouraged to reach out and find out more about what captures their imagination. They have many opportunities to discover and develop their Individual talents and deepen their skills. Truly education is a journey, not a race and children are free to learn without anxiety or being expected to be mini-adults.
The community is incredible and an amazing part of belonging to this school family. The value as a parent to belong to a community like this s not to be underestimated!
I wholeheartedly recommend Ringwood Waldorf School and wish every child could have such a precious start in life.
Love working here!
As a teacher at Ringwood Waldorf School, I feel lucky to be part of such a nurturing and inspiring environment. Our school stands out for its genuine focus on the whole child, valuing intellect, creativity and emotional well-being equally. Year after year, I see children growing not just academically but also in confidence, empathy and curiosity.
The Waldorf approach lets me teach in a way that connects with each child’s developmental stage, making learning natural and joyful. Whether we’re exploring maths, working on art, learning science or history or spending time in nature, the children’s enthusiasm is clear. Age appropriate games and sports are an important part of our school day, encouraging teamwork and physical development alongside academic lessons.
What makes our school even more special is how well teachers and parents work together. There's a strong sense of partnership and support where everyone is committed to each child's success.
The Waldorf approach lets me teach in a way that connects with each child’s developmental stage, making learning natural and joyful. Whether we’re exploring maths, working on art, learning science or history or spending time in nature, the children’s enthusiasm is clear. Age appropriate games and sports are an important part of our school day, encouraging teamwork and physical development alongside academic lessons.
What makes our school even more special is how well teachers and parents work together. There's a strong sense of partnership and support where everyone is committed to each child's success.
Such an amazing school
An excellent school, described by my 12 and 13 year olds as 'amazing' and 'brilliant', there's probably not too many children their age saying that about their school. We moved to this school 6 years ago and wish we had done it sooner. The curriculum offers such diversity and focuses on child development rather than exam results, it really is a no brainer for us. We have to tighten the purse strings to afford private education but we really couldn't go anywhere else now. Not only are the children happy at this school but they are thriving both academically and socially and I'm excited to see the confident, vibrant young adults they'll be at the end of their journey through the school.
An amazing community, an amazing education!
My son joined in the Kindergarten and left in Upper School as a teenager, he had the most special learning experience that I could have hoped for. A wonderful community for parents, caring staff and well rounded pupils. The curriculum met his emotional, physical and academic needs perfectly through all his years there, as I had come to expect. The teachers see each child as an individual, unique and extraordinary. I could not recommend this school more. You will always have parents and/or children that struggle and sadly they need to blame someone and make negative comments where they can. If you’re here reading these comments and thinking about the Ringwood Waldorf School, I would say, go and see for yourself. You will be welcomed and be amazed by what you see.
No Support - No Learning Value.
Recently moved on to a State School.
My child is 11 years old, can't read anywhere near her properly educated peers, can't write as her spelling is atrocious and doesn't really have a firm grasp of maths. Poor show, school not interested in feedback or support (the learning support they offer is a Joke, if you even get any offered a large proportion of the sessions won't even happen as the staff either don't turn up or get moved into another classroom to cover other sickness).
My child is 11 years old, can't read anywhere near her properly educated peers, can't write as her spelling is atrocious and doesn't really have a firm grasp of maths. Poor show, school not interested in feedback or support (the learning support they offer is a Joke, if you even get any offered a large proportion of the sessions won't even happen as the staff either don't turn up or get moved into another classroom to cover other sickness).
Don’t recommend.
If the class teacher doesn’t get on with you then this will be the worst choice you make. They have an unchecked level of power and the trustees are terrified of trying to discipline the teaching staff.
You will be fine if you have family in the SLT or went here as a child, in that case you won’t have to pay. But if you are a normal person then the minute you are no longer useful to them or cause problems then you will be unceremoniously thrown out mid year.
Do not recommend unless you are great at fitting into cliques.
You will be fine if you have family in the SLT or went here as a child, in that case you won’t have to pay. But if you are a normal person then the minute you are no longer useful to them or cause problems then you will be unceremoniously thrown out mid year.
Do not recommend unless you are great at fitting into cliques.
The change we needed but couldn't put into words at the time
We have three children at the Ringwood Waldorf School. Our first started in mainstream and we moved to this school when we couldn't reconcile the academic pressure with what we believed he needed to develop into a capable, resilient, and confident young adult. We came to an open day and from there we have been on the most extraordinary journey. Our kids love school and their teachers love teaching. The community we have found has been truly transformative for our whole family. Our kids are discovering who they are, while learning in an incredibly child centred way. We couldn't be more pleased with their progress academically and in this world just as important for us, emotionally. If you find you are considering a change, come to an open day. We weren't sure and did just that and for us, the rest is history!
A very special community
Ringwood Waldorf School has been the best decision we've made for our children. Before our eldest child was school age, we spent some time looking around at various educational approaches. We initially planned to home educate for a few years, but decided to give RWS a try. I was inspired by the warm and caring environment, the balanced approach to academic, artistic, and practical learning, and the passion of the teachers. When I visited and met the teenagers who were close to graduating, I was very impressed by their knowledge and confidence, and knew that the school must be doing something right. Our children are now teenagers themselves, and the school has helped them to develop their passions, be true to themselves, be open minded, and to dream big. I would highly recommend the school to anyone looking for a supportive community for their family and a progressive educational approach for their child.
Ringwood Walford school
the school only has one very dirty minibus and there are silverfish in the cupoards. They bearly ever refurbish or repaint and we have to do strange rituals like sing around candles, jump over fire whilst chanting, hold ribbons attached to a big pole and skip around it in a group and walk around a spiral of moss to put an apple in the middle. Even when we get older we still have to sing songs in the morning. For art, the only painting we really do is with "natural" paints that are made with eggs (they smell really bad). The curriculum is not very progressive and we learn stuff at older ages that we should have learned when we were younger. There are some very weird lessons at RWS such as eurythmy, which is a really weird dance yoga thing. We have to do it even when we're in the older years and it has no benefit whatsoever. And they only have 2 GCSE choices, maths and English. The classrooms are quite small and so is the outdoor space. We have a courtyard, a tarmac area and a field. The security of the school is not very good either the fences are easily jumpable and the codes to the gates are known. They don't handle bullying well. They don't expell or suspend kids that constantly disrupt lessons/ break the rules/ are nasty to other children.
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What I love most is how my child's class teacher has taken the time to understand and support my child, finding ways to connect and engage them. My child has grown so much, coming on leaps and bounds academically, and also made some supportive friendships which is so crucial. They look forward to school, and have become more confident. We are so happy with the positive changes we’ve seen in our child and highly recommend this school to other parents looking for a supportive and enriching education for their kids.