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History of Michael House  

Michael House School was founded in 1934 in Ilkeston. The school owes its existence to the philanthropist and social worker Edith Lewis, daughter of the owner of the Meridian Hosiery Factory. She was inspired by the ideas and impulses on education (and many other areas of life) given by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian Philosopher and Scientist. Miss Lewis, out of her social awareness, was concerned that a Waldorf school should be founded in Ilkeston, a school based on the understanding of the Human-being given through Rudolf Steiner. After her death her wish was finally fulfilled through the use of her legacy.

The school has remained true to its principles throughout its existence. Through the expansion of the school, the move from the original building in Ilkeston to its present site in January 1977 became necessary. It is a comprehensive, non-denominational and non-sectarian school for boys and girls from the age of 3 ½ to 16 years. All children are accepted on a trial basis, and parents kept informed of their progress.

Michael House is a member of the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship, whose work is manifold, and has a representative on its Council. Although we are a registered independent school, we have to meet the requirements and regulations of the Department of Education and Skills, but are not obliged and indeed do not follow the National Curriculum except where it is similar to the Waldorf Curriculum given by Rudolf Steiner. However we are inspected by OFSTED.