Reliance Bank proudly funded a Steiner School that inspires its students to effect positive change in the world

Our client is a Steiner school in South Devon. This co-educational school follows the Steiner Waldorf curriculum which integrates ethical values with creative exploration and experiential learning for students aged 3- to 19-year-old.

Through engaging classes, rich performing arts, community service, clubs, sports students find themselves and discover the world beyond college. This balanced approach allows our students to find joy in learning and inspiration to effect positive change in the world. They learn how to make a difference.

Solution

Reliance Bank’s funding helped South Devon Steiner School remortgage to release funds for development of their site.

The school is situated in an idyllic location on 8 acres of grounds in South Devon, nestled in the rolling hills on the doorstep of the Dartmoor National Park, surrounded by fields abundant with organic and biodynamic vegetables.

The school plan to develop their site to include a school travel plan to address increasing student numbers and car park safety. As well as planning for additional teaching spaces for a growing Upper School.

Impact

The school engage creatively with Steiner’s insights into the stages of human development, conduct their own educational research and study other educational approaches to better understand and support the needs of today’s children.

The school equally acknowledge and address the three core faculties of the human being: conceptual thinking, interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships and practical and creative skill.

The school balance academic rigour with artistic creativity, practical work and social engagement. The school provides healthy learning environments that encourage creativity and independent thinking and nurture empathy, respect and resilience.

Reliance Bank’s funding has helped the ongoing support of:

• 250 students receiving apprenticeships, training or internships
• 250 students receiving personal learning and development opportunities

Julie Thomas, Business Manager and Company Secretary for South Devon Steiner School commented: “The process was relatively straightforward, we were supported throughout by David Price. It was nice to speak to a person rather than a computer. We were kept informed all through the process and everyone was very friendly.”