School celebrates its golden anniversary in style by winning awards in town's annual carnival parade

A Hampshire independent school celebrated its major milestone in style by winning first prize and Best in Show awards at the weekend’s Ringwood Carnival.

Ringwood Waldorf School’s float, featuring a large dragon tying in with the school’s Michaelmas celebrations, marked 50 years of Waldorf education in Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest.

Since it was first established in 1974, Ringwood Waldorf School has grown from humble beginnings.

Following a joyful on-campus festival this month it’s now looking forward to sharing its golden anniversary with the wider community.

Geli Patrick, School Lead and Chair of the Senior Management Team, said: “We are so excited to be celebrating the school’s 50^th birthday.

“Taking part in the Ringwood Carnival is the next step in our 50^th anniversary celebrations, which are set to last the whole year.

“Our school has literally been built from the ground up by parents and our school community over the past five decades.

“We have ambitious plans for the next few years, further developing the school, with more buildings to accommodate future additional pupils wanting to join.

“The carnival float has been built with this same passion.

“Our massive dragon that ties in with the school’s Michaelmas celebrations is something to behold!”

Ringwood Waldorf School is part of the fastest growing independent educational system in the world.

Established as a small cottage school at Folly Farm with just six students, it has expanded into a thriving educational community with over 250 students today.

Its unique approach to education draws families from across the UK, and attracts visiting students from across Europe.

The co-educational school offers a comprehensive Waldorf curriculum for children from infancy to 19 years old.

Students not only engage in core academic subjects such as mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities but also immerse themselves in music, movement, arts and traditional crafts.

The next open day is November 13.