Celebrating a Century of Learning: Michael Hall Waldorf School in East Sussex
This year, Michael Hall Waldorf School in East Sussex proudly celebrates its centenary. Established in 1925, Michael Hall is the oldest Waldorf school in the world and has been a beacon of holistic education, nurturing generations of students through the Waldorf Curriculum.
The centenary celebrations include year-long special events and activities reflecting the school’s rich history and vibrant community. Alumni, current students, families, and prospective parents are invited to join the festivities, will include exhibitions, performances and community events in the school’s stunning 120-acre grounds in Forest Row.
Waldorf Education is the fastest-growing independent educational movement in the world and offers a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to learning. At Michael Hall, education is about cultivating well-rounded individuals who are intellectually capable, emotionally mature, and socially adept. The Waldorf curriculum is coherent, contemporary, incorporates all national curriculum subjects in a multidisciplinary way. It aims to inspire life-long learning in all students and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities.
Early Childhood (age 2 to 6): With a strong connection to nature, the Early Childhood curriculum balances child-led, imaginative play with practical tasks like gardening, woodwork, baking, and crafts. Emphasis is placed on physical development, communication, and social and emotional skills. Children learn through rhythm, repetition, reverence, and imitation in a gentle, home-like environment.
Lower and Middle School (age 6 to 14): In the equivalent to Primary and Secondary school, education becomes more formal and structured. A class teacher teaches most subjects, supported by specialists for areas like languages, gym and music. The focus is on ensuring all basic academic subjects are in place while developing imagination, creativity, and emotional connection to learning. For example, a farming Main Lesson in Class 3 integrates geography, history, science, and economics through practical activities like growing food and visiting local farms.
Upper School (age 14 to 18⁄19): The curriculum in the Upper School supports adolescents’ need for enquiry and critical thinking, helping them acquire necessary knowledge for further education and employment while developing discernment and the ability to form reasoned judgments. In these years students have a class guardian for holistic and pastoral support, with subject specialists for lessons.
Visit Michael Hall Waldorf School during their centenary year and see how they inspire and empower students to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. For open day details, please visit website.
