Hugo's Story

Hugo was in the same mainstream primary school as his older sister from the age of four. While we were never particularly enamoured with the school, we assumed our high expectations were the problem. However, during Year 2, our bright, happy, and creative boy began to experience bullying. He became quiet and withdrawn, crying almost every morning before school and asking not to go. We engaged with the school and believed the matter was resolved, but sadly, it wasn't.

We were watching his personality fade away and desperate to help Hugo, we started searching for a new school. A work colleague suggested The Iona School, a Waldorf education institution. Though we knew nothing about Waldorf schools and doubting we could afford it, we were so worried that we proceeded to enquire anyway. From the moment we visited the school, met Mr. Strafford and learned about their teaching philosophy and ethos, we were sold. It made perfect sense that education should be tailored to a child's stage of cognitive development and individual needs.

Despite our financial position at that time, Iona put Hugo's needs first and worked with us to make the fees manageable. They offered us a bursary (community-supported place), a truly wonderful gift. We will be forever grateful to The Iona School; and wholeheartedly believe they saved Hugo from years of unhappiness, and loss of learning. Their gentle and nurturing educational methods reignited his spark and love of education. Now in Year 7 at secondary school, Hugo is thriving both personally and academically. He has a wide group of friends, excels at sport and his end-of-year academic report was outstanding.

How You Can Help:

The news that Iona School is facing the threat of closure is devastating. One size of education does not fit all. Please help us support Iona School so they can continue transforming lives like Hugo's. Your donation will make a world of difference - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/save-the-iona-school

Thank you, Nathalie and Carl.