Today (Friday 26th June) marked a historic milestone, as our pioneering first cohort of Upper School students officially graduated, bringing their two-year course to a close.
With many of the class having attended the school since they were toddlers, teachers, parents, and students gathered for an emotional final festival to bid the trailblazing class farewell.
The Upper School was launched in 2024, expanding on the school’s established Early Years (ages 3–6) and Main School (ages 6–14) provisions to offer a complete educational journey.Rather than following the traditional GCSE-only route, these graduates completed the pioneering Level 2 Crossfields Institute Integrated Extended Education Diploma. This Ofqual-accredited qualification is equivalent to 5 to 9 GCSEs and uses continuous, portfolio-based assessment. Alongside the diploma, students also sat formal GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics—marking the very first formal testing experience for those who have been at the school since early childhood.The diverse range of onward destinations highlights the strength and flexibility of the Steiner curriculum. Graduates have accepted places at sixth forms across the city, as well as York, Selby, and Scarborough Colleges, the Northern Academy of Performing Arts, and Tang Hall Smart College. Notably, two students secured prestigious scholarships: one to The Mount in York, and another to the United World College (UWC) in Germany—a highly competitive international network requiring a rigorous global admissions process.Speaking at today’s final festival, Tracey, our Headteacher at York Steiner School, thanked the parents for their trust:
Our Upper School is founded on your belief and courage. Anyone walking into our school today and talking to these amazing young people would, I am sure, want this extraordinary education for their children.
Reflecting on the students' approach to their recent exams, Tracey added:
Seeing you go into your GCSE exams so calmly, with some of you even coming out saying that you had quite enjoyed the experience, just confirmed to me how delaying high-stakes testing works. I know you are now totally ready to fly towards your big dreams.
The success of the alternative curriculum is echoed by the students themselves. Laurie H, a well-known figure in the local music scene as the front man of Some Lions, the rock band that recently won York’s Battle of the Bands, centered his diploma portfolio around his musical talents.
Moving here from mainstream school, this felt like a much safer environment
Laurie, will continue his musical studies at Tang Hall Smart College.Iyla, who is moving on to Arch Bishops 6th Form to study Mathematics, English, German and Philosophy A-Levels, added:
Perhaps the thing that stands out most about this school is the sense of belonging. Everyone belongs, right from the 3 year old's in kindergarten to those of us who are leaving today, and that’s the reason why it hits me so hard that we’re going, because it’s been a constant in my life for 12 years now.
Sebastian, who won a prestigious £64,000 scholarship to study at the United World College in Germany, credited the school's unique environment:
The school’s curriculum has taught me so much more than academics. It has also taught me to think globally and creatively, building my levels of self awareness and personal responsibility. This is what helped me during my application to United World College, as I was able to reflect my learning both academically and my personal growth.
With its first Upper School cohort successfully launched into further education, York Steiner School has proven that a holistic, creative approach to secondary education can yield exceptional academic and personal results.Bookings are open now for our schedule of Open Days, Enquirers Morning and Upper School Open evenings from September. Contact Admissions on admissions@yorksteinerschool.org, or call Jo or 01904 654983