Nurturing Lifelong Curiosity
Based in the centre of York, for more than 40 years, York Steiner School offers a holistic, child-centred education rooted in over 100 years of Steiner Waldorf tradition.
Curiosity, Connection, Community
A child’s early years are fundamental to their healthy development throughout their whole lives.
Tailoring our teaching to the physical and emotional stages of child development, we nurture lifelong curiosity, a connection to the natural world, and resilience for purposeful lives in a changing world.
Enquirers' Mornings 9.30am-12pm
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Kindergarten, Classes 1 and 2 - Tues Nov 17th 2026
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Main School - Tues 19th Jan 2027
Enquirers' Mornings 9.30am-12pm • Kindergarten, Classes 1 and 2 - Tues Nov 17th 2026 • Main School - Tues 19th Jan 2027
Nurturing Education from birth to 16 years
Our teaching is shaped by an in depth understanding of the stages of child development, supporting children to develop at their own pace.
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Parent & Child
A seed is planted
A gentle first step into school life, with time to play, discover and belong together.
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Kindergarten
Putting down roots
Through play, familiar rhythms and a nurturing environment, children grow in confidence.
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Classes 1–5
Reaching out
Stories, creativity and practical learning awaken imagination, curiosity and a love of discovery.
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Classes 6–8
Growing stronger
New challenges and wider horizons help pupils question, explore and deepen their understanding.
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Upper School
Rooted learning for connected lives
Young people grow in independence, confidence and connection, ready for the world beyond school.
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![Gentle Beginnings]()
Gentle Beginnings
From Birth to age 1
The first steps in learning begin together. Our warm and welcoming sessions offer a gentle introduction to the rhythms of Steiner education, creating space to play, connect, and grow alongside your child.
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![Toddler in a pink shirt holds a toy broom and red dustpan while an adult watches in a classroom.]()
Parent and Child groups
Ages 1 to 3.5 years
The first steps in learning begin together. Our warm and welcoming parent and child sessions offer a gentle introduction to the rhythms of Steiner education and a beautiful and nurturing support for young families.
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![Courtyard garden with winding concrete paths, raised planting beds, mature trees, and brick buildings.]()
Outdoor Groups
Ages 3 and upwards
Building a connection to the natural world fosters confidence and resilience. Our outdoor groups range from parent and child sessions to Steiner Waldorf inspired forest school.
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![Kindergarten, York]()
Kindergarten
Ages 3 - 6
Through connection with the natural world, grounding confidence and freedom to explore we are treasuring childhood and laying the foundations for a life long love of learning.
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![Student wearing glasses sketches a building with a green pencil at a classroom desk.]()
Main School
Ages 6 - 14
Our broad, interwoven Steiner Waldorf curriculum awakens children’s capacities for imagination, wonder and creativity. Our Class Teachers foster a lasting education, guided from an intimate understanding of each child’s strengths and needs.
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![Group of teenagers talking outdoors near a leafy school campus]()
Upper School
Ages 14 - 16
Students develop powers of independent judgement, awakening new faculties of thinking and discovering their freedom and self-awareness. Growing independent learning skills across a broad curriculum and exploring specialist interests through independent research.
Every journey starts with a small step
Our Parent and Child groups offer young children and their grown ups a warm, welcoming morning of play, in a gentle and beautifully cared for environment. Little ones can explore at their own pace, whilst parents and carers build friendships, share experiences and discover the gentle rhythms of Steiner education.
“We began our journey at Parent and Child, and now my eldest child has just completed Upper School! Steiner education has been a gift for our whole family”
A child centred education
Parents’ Handbook
School life is about more than the classroom. Our Parent Handbook is packed with useful information, important dates, helpful resources, and everyday guidance, making it easy to stay informed and connected throughout the year.