History in Holywood

Upper SchoolThe Holywood School opened in September 1975 in the Glencraig Camphill Community. There were ten children and four full-time staff. By the end of the first year it had grown to 20 children. It moved to its present site at 'Highlands' on the Croft Road, Holywood in August '76. The official opening of the school was celebrated in June 1977, with many guests and well-wishers.

Initially 'Highlands' was too big and two families lived in the extra rooms. However this  soon changed and in 1978 plans were made for a separate kindergarten. The building was completed in 1979 and is now the school hall.

Soon after the kindergarten was established, the upper school was started and new class rooms were required. Life for the upper school began in what is now the woodwork room.

More temporary buildings were erected to accommodate the growing school and eventually we had seven such classrooms. In December 1987, plans were made for 12 new permanent classrooms, a new Kindergarten and a hall. The construction was undertaken in phases and money was raised through the launch of a building appeal. The final phase of construction was completed in 1993. In 1997 our new Kindergarten building was completed, funded by a generous grant from the National Lottery.

The school now consists of a Pre School, Kindergarten, Lower and Upper school. It takes children from ages three (Pre School) through to their GCSEs (Class 11).

In common with other Steiner Upper schools, we prepare them for the GCSEs. But they are given as much of the Steiner curriculum as possible - and this has been seen to stand them in good stead when they go on to continue their education from the GCSEs and beyond.

Last Updated on Friday, 10 October 2008 15:38