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OFSTED INSPECTION : 'OUTSTANDING' IN ALL FIVE CATEGORIES

Click here to view the May 2023 Ofsted report

"Pupils are exceptionally well motivated"

The lower school, teachers focus on the development of pupils by nurturing their artistic, physical and creative talents. Pupils learn to read quickly. Throughout the school, pupils read with fluency. Pupils with SEND are very well supported.

Ofsted - 2023

Welcome to The Acorn School

We are a well-established and innovative independent school for children aged 6 to 18 years (Class 1 to 12) based in the heart of the Cotswolds, in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. Our uniquely supportive approach recognises childhood and adolescence as living, unfolding processes. Through meaningful relationships, strong academic inquiry, outdoor learning, nature connection, storytelling, movement, rich artistic experiences, practical skills and handcraft , we educate the whole human being, cultivating curiosity, engagement and an innate love of learning. Our ethos and curriculum are deeply rooted in the educational insights of Rudolf Steiner and the wider Waldorf tradition putting the health and wellbeing of each individual child at the heart of all we do. 
Founded by the Whiting family in 1991, with a strong ethos of active and ambitious learning, the school transitioned to a charity in 2023 but remains strongly inspired by its founding principles. These include a progressive human scale approach with a strong focus on a broad and ambitious curriculum, experiential learning, personal development and individual support, they also include a  ‘low-tech’ approach as we do not believe that the early use of digital technology benefits young children.
Inspired by the enduring relevance of Waldorf education throughout the modern world, we offer a learning environment that values imagination, attentiveness, compassion, ecological awareness, and human connection in an age increasingly shaped by speed, technology and fragmentation. We believe education should not only prepare young people for employment and further study, but also support them to become thoughtful, capable, creative and socially responsible human beings.
As an independent school, we are able to respond flexibly and creatively to the needs of children and families, and contemporary society, while remaining grounded in the core principles and living traditions of Waldorf education. In 2021 we introduced the internationally recognised NZCSE (New Zealand Certificate of Steiner Education) which provides equivalence to GCSE and A-level without the stress of terminal examinations. This qualification was designed specifically to accredit the Steiner-Waldorf curriculum and is recognised by all UK and international universities.
Our most recent Ofsted report awarded us the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ in all five categories: (i) The Quality of Education; (ii) Behaviour and Attitudes; (iii) Personal Development; (iv) Leadership and Management; (v) Sixth-form Provision. We believe this is a testament to the success of our approach and the care with which we support each child.
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WHY CHOOSE US

WHY CHOOSE ACORN?

An individualised education experience

At Acorn, we treat each child as an individual, ensuring they receive the support and care they require, both academically and pastorally, to realise their true potential.

A curriculum for life

Our curriculum is carefully designed to develop our pupils' intellectual, creative and practical skills and prepare them for an ever-changing world.

A balanced approach to technology

Our balanced approach to technology protects the childhood of our youngest children whilst preparing our eldest students for the modern world.

ALUMNI

OUR STUDENTS' STORIES

EMILY

SUPERDRY
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CONNAL

CHARITY SECTOR
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PETER

ORTHOPAEDIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST
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LUCY

COURTAULD INSTITUTE OF ART
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RAFAEL

CAMERA ASSISTANT/DATA WRANGLER
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ERIN

CREATIVE WRITING AND DANCE
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OSCAR

GAP YEAR
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ELEANOR

SPANISH AND RUSSIAN LANGUAGES
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VISIT ACORN

Do you have children ready to start their first school adventure, considering their next step into secondary education or are you thinking about a changing your child’s school?

By offering a unique, child-centred approach to education, we provide an inspiring environment so that each child is respected and loved for who they are.

Thank you for your interest in our School. The first step in the admissions process is for parents to attend an Open Tour, giving you the chance to learn more about our school environment and ask any questions you might have. Current tours are fully booked but we will schedule more after half-term.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US

Certificate of Steiner Education

Internationally and nationally recognised alternative to GCSEs and A Levels

The Acorn School attracts progressive parents who are highly invested in their children’s schooling and who believe there is more to education than working towards narrow results. Our unique style of education doesn’t include SATs, GCSEs and A ’Levels. We provide an enriching ambitious curriculum for children aged 6 to 18 years, which is balanced with a strong personal development program, in addition, we offer alternative internationally recognised GCSE/A ‘Levels equivalent qualifications.

Prospective parents are warmly invited to visit. If you are interested in finding out more, please don’t hesitate to telephone or email to attend an open morning or to arrange a personal tour.

Inspiring confident, balanced and conscientious young people

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THE ACORN SCHOOL

CREATING FREE-THINKING YOUNG PEOPLE OF INSIGHT AND INTEGRITY WHO ARE READY TO TAKE THEIR PLACE IN THE WORLD.

THE ACORN SCHOOL

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

A message from our founder and proprietor, Graeme Whiting

The Acorn School first opened its doors on 16th September 1991. Looking back at our humble beginnings and seeing how far we have come, Sarah and I, as the founders, feel we have much to be proud of. In thirty years, we have gone from early successes and struggles to bringing our vision to fruition in ways beyond what we could have ever anticipated.

Our little school has become a home to a community of visionary parents and their exceptional children, who help to uphold and replenish the Acorn spirit, day by day. In a time of rapid change enabled by technological advancement, we are proud to say that The Acorn School continues to stay true to its founding values and guiding principles.

Our aim is to provide an environment that respects and nurtures our children, and an education that empowers them to become freethinking adults.

 

https://theacornschool.com/#welcome

My Acorn

Parents – Joanna (Director Heartfelt Care) and Charlie (UN Development Programme)

“Our children have been at The Acorn School for 14 years and the holistic approach to teaching is both broad and flexible allowing them to explore their interests and passions as they grow through the school.

We hugely appreciate the ‘small school, human scale’ education at The Acorn School where the 18-year olds greet the six-year olds by name in the playground. Teachers know and understand each child’s needs and can tailor their learning accordingly. “

66

Teachers are enthusiastic.

They have excellent subject knowledge and expertise, which inspires the pupils. Leaders are strongly committed to the personal development of their pupils. This is planned both within and beyond the classroom. Leaders focus on the needs of individuals through a group and whole-school approach.

Ofsted - 2023

ABOUT US

SOME FACTS

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At the Acorn, the child is at the centre of every decision that is made, and it is a pleasure to see the happiness of each pupil as they navigate their way through their school life.
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The Acorn School Educational Trust Ltd

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  • Monday to Friday 8am - 3pm

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Emily

Creative Production Manager, Superdry.
Degree: Fashion (1st Class)

Class of 2008

After leaving The Acorn School, I spent a year travelling around the world before taking up my place at university to study Fashion Design. I graduated with a first class honours degree and began working as a knitwear designer. I then moved to Superdry and took on my new role as Creative Production Assistant. I have been at Superdry ever since and am now Creative Production Manager, overseeing the production of catwalks, still image and video campaigns.

66

The Acorn School gave me the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment that focused on me as an individual and balanced academic learning with educational experiences.
EMAILY

My favourite memory from my time at school was the amazingly diverse curriculum and trips. We were given so many opportunities to explore new subjects, visit new places, and go on new adventures. Acorn opened me up to so many opportunities and taught me how to overcome challenges.

My time at Acorn prepared me for each stage of my life since I left school in different ways. It gave me the confidence and awareness to travel the world on my own; it equipped me with the skills and motivation to succeed through my university life; and it gave me the adaptability that is required to work in the fast-paced world of fashion and production.

Connal

Charity Worker
Degree: Human Rights (beginning Sep 2019)

Class of 2013

Since graduating from The Acorn School in 2014 I have been working and travelling in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. I have trained as an explosive ordnance disposal technician and most recently worked as a warehouse manager and distribution coordinator for Help Refugees in Northern France.

66

The Acorn School made me aware that education is not confined to the classroom and that wherever I find myself, there is always an opportunity to learn something new.
CONNAL

What I love about Acorn is the individuality of each pupils education and the close links that form between students and staff.

Some of my best memories from Acorn are of the varied and challenging trips and outdoor activities that were a consistent addition to the academic work. I also enjoyed the lectures from members of the school community, often in the week before Christmas, who shared their experiences and knowledge in a wide range of interesting topics and provided an insight into possible career paths.

Peter

Highly Specialist MSK Physiotherapist and Orthopaedic Research Associate
Degree: Physiotherapy (1st Class)

Class of 2009

I worked and travelled in my gap-year before gaining a first class degree in physiotherapy from the University of Liverpool. I then moved to London where I have been working at Bart’s Health for the last 5 years. My role has progressed from junior to managerial/specialist, whilst I have also taken on a research job in orthopaedic trauma. I am now studying part time for a Master’s in Public Health and starting a health tech company.

66

The Acorn School was well ahead of the curve in encouraging understanding for children of their natural environment and the importance of physical activity
PETER

My favourite memory was certainly the art history trip around Italy and France, although the many ski and cycling adventures were a close second.

An emphasis on self directed learning was useful for higher level study after school

Lucy

Under Graduate
Art History at The Courtauld Institute of Art

Class of 2016

I love The Acorn School because of its holistic approach to education. I think balancing creative and academic subjects, while spending so much time outdoors, is invaluable.

66

The Acorn School helped build my confidence and supported me in trying new things – I never thought I would have the strength to jump over the wake on a knee-board, or the courage to play Puck in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
LUCY

One of my favourite memories from my time at The Acorn School is my first surfing trip. I had never been surfing before and the waves were massive! The teachers and my fellow students taught me what to do and I remember laughing so much! It was so exhilarating and also bonding with my new school mates.

Rafael

Camera Assistance/Data Wrangler

Class of 2018

After graduating from The Acorn School in 2018 I have become a freelance Camera Assistant in the film and television industry, working on many documentaries, drama, and light entertainment including projects for the BBC, National Geographic and Netflix..

66

The Acorn School has given me the ability to not grow out of being creative, the ability to navigate a mountain, to surf and to rock climb. The school’s curriculum gave me a full understanding of both science and the arts and has provided me with all the knowledge and support I need to move on out into the world.
RAFAEL

I have so many fond memories from my time at the school but one of my favourites is learning how to surf! Because I had such a good time and enjoyed it so much I even decided to make a surf board in my final year.

Erin

Under Graduate
BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Dance at Bath Spa University

Class of 2018

Aside from giving me a fantastic all-round education and getting me into a really interesting arts degree, Acorn has given me a sense of adventure and self-sufficiency that I know I will use throughout my life.

66

I loved Acorn because it was a place where I was allowed to be 100% myself. I was always encouraged to be an individual, and having finished my education at the school I can now see just how beneficial that was for me.
ERIN

One of my best memories of Acorn would have to be our trip to Romania when we experienced a very different culture, learned about simple off-grid living and went walking in the snow in the Carpathian Mountains. I used to be a very nervous person who was afraid to step outside of my comfort zone, but thanks to Acorn I have gained the confidence to think and travel independently.

Oscar

Gap Year

Class of 2018

The Acorn School is a fantastic school that I went to from the age of 3 right up to 18! I learnt so many valuable life lessons and skills through the school’s outdoor activities and educational trips which have given me confidence to go out into the world and explore and also make the right decisions for my future. The broad and diverse curriculum has also made it possible for me to choose to take an academic path if I wish to because many universities are very open to accepting students from different educational systems.

66

I love the Acorn School because it gives children the freedom and support to really discover and embrace what they enjoy and are good at in life.
OSCAR

It is very difficult to pick a favourite memory from my long time at The Acorn School because I have so many incredible memories but sitting around the campfires on the many trips away and feeling the closeness I had with my friends as we sang songs and told stories have to be some of the greatest memories of my life.

Eleanor

Under Graduate
BA (Hons) Spanish and Russian University of Bristol

Class of 2017

I love The Acorn School because it gave me the chance to learn things that my previous school never would and gave me a work ethic that has allowed me to do well at university. My favorite memory of The Acorn School was singing with the upper school choir, it made singing so much more fun and now I sing with the Bristol University’s Russian department Choir!!

66

The Acorn School let me enjoy gym classes and discover that lots of sports can be really really fun. Without that I never would have thought to take up Taekwondo, and I would never have won two medals at the European championships where I competed Team UK.
ELEANOR

Furthermore, The Acorn School helped me to get into an amazing university and gave me the skills I would need to succeed.