New study on Waldorf education
A new study by the University of Worcester has commended the “significant educational transformation” of Steiner Waldorf schools in England.
Known worldwide for its distinctive creative and holistic approach, Waldorf education in England faced severe criticism from Ofsted over a two year period from 2018.
This report, commissioned by Waldorf UK, the national body for Steiner Waldorf (SW) schools, reviews Ofsted and ISI* reports from 2018 to 2024.
The report highlights that since 2021, inspection findings have improved significantly with inspectors describing how many schools demonstrate:
-
Creative, rich and inclusive curricula
-
High quality teaching and learning
-
Good progress in key subjects like reading, mathematics, art and modern foreign languages
-
High quality Early Years education
-
Strong teacher–parent relationships
-
Robust safeguarding and positive school environmenta
The authors of the report praise the way Waldorf schools have “transformed criticism into constructive action and in doing so rebuilt public, parental and professional confidence.