Bristol Steiner School exits administration thanks to passionate community support
Bristol Steiner School has been rescued from administration thanks to a community campaign, saving 25 jobs, keeping the school open for its 80 pupils, and ensuring full payment to all creditors.
The school, located in the Redland area of the city, offers an alternative curriculum to around 80 pupils aged from three to 11. Its approach is built on the principles of Rudolph Steiner and focuses on a holistic education that includes intellectual, emotional, practical, and artistic development.
Siann Huntley and Sean Ward of insolvency and business turnaround specialists Leonard Curtis were appointed Joint Administrators of the school in December 2023.
Despite the best efforts of the school’s management team, the financial situation had become untenable due to numerous factors, including rising energy and interest costs.
Siann Huntley said: “This wonderful success story demonstrates what can be achieved when a community joins forces to save a cherished local institution. It also shows the importance of good management and communication when a company faces difficulties.
She explained: “The rescue happened in two stages. Initially, we worked with the school’s secured lender, Triodos Bank, to ensure the school could continue in its duty of care to its students.
“This bought us time to work with the Parents, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) to make a plan that would allow the school to exit administration and return to the control of the board of trustees. The hard work of the PTFA enabled all creditor claims to be settled in full.
Siann added: “We worked with all parties to ensure the successful exit from administration. The result is a school which remains a going concern and will continue to provide a high-quality education service unique to the Bristol area.”
