Our Story

The journey of Bristol Waldorf School began with a vibrant convergence of inspired individuals and idealistic dreams. Its founding was driven by a shared vision for innovative education and a deep sense of community. This vision brought together families in Bristol who yearned for a Waldorf education, allowing countless children to grow and thrive within our joyful school community.

Bristol Waldorf School pioneered an inclusive model that welcomed families from diverse backgrounds and varying economic circumstances. We are now working to return to those ideals with the introduction of our sliding fee scale.

Geraldine Hayn, our school's founder, was committed to ensuring the school embodied Steiner's educational principles and was accessible to all families. Early in her journey, she met Morwenna Buchnall and Peter Patterson, who shared her ideals and joined her mission. Their collaborative spirit, alongside the dedicated support of parents like the Maendle Family, was instrumental in establishing the school.

Together, these courageous individuals formed a vibrant school community at 12d Cotham Road. The Rowan Tree gift shop and later a café, run by Geraldine’s husband Claud Hayn, quickly supported the school. Their unwavering belief in the mission attracted extraordinary support and resources, fostering a nurturing environment where everything seemed possible.

Today, the legacy of our founders lives on. After some bumps in the road, the community have come together to re-vision our school and culture and Bristol Waldorf School is set to continue to thrive for another 50 years; staying true to the principles of inclusivity, community, and holistic education that inspired its inception. We honour the vision and dedication of those early pioneers, which laid the foundation for the vibrant, diverse, and nurturing educational environment we proudly offer today.