Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Middle Cove NSW

Kindergarten - 2 - 121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag, NSW
Years 3-12 - 5A Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove, NSW
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Meaningful Lives
Upcoming Events
GLENAEON RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL - Preschool Willoughby Campus Tour Mon May 12 @11:15AM - 12:15PM [23 Days to go] |
GLENAEON RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL - Middle Cove Campus Tour Thu May 15 @ 9:30AM - 10:30AM [26 Days to go] |
GLENAEON RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL - Castelcrag Campus Tour Thu May 22 @10:00AM - 10:45AM [33 Days to go] |
GLENAEON RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL - Middle Cove Campus Tour Thu Jun 05 @ 9:30AM - 10:30AM [47 Days to go] |
GLENAEON RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL - Preschool Willoughby Campus Tour Fri Jun 06 @11:15AM - 12:15PM [48 Days to go] |
GLENAEON RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL - Castelcrag Campus Tour Thu Jun 12 @10:00AM - 10:45AM [54 Days to go] |
View all events here
- Early Learning
- Primary School
- Secondary School
- Primary - Year 12 School
- Multiple School Locations
- Early Learning Centre
- Early Childhood Centre
- Kindergarten
- Pre-K Campus
- Pre-Prep Campus
- Prep Campus
- Primary Campus
- Secondary Campus
- Independent
- Steiner
- Non-denominational




- Academic Achievement
- Co-curricular Activities
- Community
- Creative Arts
- Culture / Tradition
- Food Technology
- Languages
- Music
- Numeracy / Literacy
- Pastoral Care / Guidance
- Performing Arts
- Personal Values
- Science/Technology
- Social & Emotional Learning
- Sport
- Visual Art
- Welfare
- German
- Japanese
- Spanish
Inspiring Meaningful Lives
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Australia’s first Steiner school, offers an academically challenging, emotionally fulfilling, and culturally enriching learning environment where teachers educate to the highest standard and support students on their journey to a successful future.
A proudly non-selective, co-educational school for students from Preschool through to Year 12, Glenaeon offers a holistic and student-centered approach to learning. Glenaeon’s curriculum and pedagogy is a rich, seamless blend of the local NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements with the educational insights of Austrian-born philosopher, scientist, artist and educator Rudolf Steiner. It inspires creativity, independent thinking, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. The unique teaching framework builds a thinking that is independent, heartfelt and practical and sees the school consistently rank in the top 100 schools in NSW. Students are guided to become confident, well-rounded individuals who are able to think critically and engage with the world.
The unique bushland settings provides a stunning natural landscape from which students develop to full potential through an education that nurtures mind, body and spirit.
Our highly qualified and passionate educators are wholeheartedly committed to the success of their students. Glenaeon values a strong sense of community and offers a warm and supportive environment for parents and students alike.
Join us on this journey that inspires personal growth, cultivates academic excellence, and empowers students to make a positive impact on the world, and live truly meaningful lives.
The Glenaeon Journey
The Glenaeon Learning Journey is an integrated, holistic education, designed to provide a balance of intellectual, artistic, imaginative capacities and practical life skills, with a strong emphasis on teaching through the arts and experiential learning.
Our graduating high school class demonstrates the benefits of this approach, consistently placing in the top 10% of NSW high schools. A strong academic program, incorporating culture, the arts, service and wilderness environments, extends students in a balanced and rounded manner.
As well as performing so well academically, students who come through the school have all sung and performed on stage in their musical, have hiked and camped around Australia, played musical instruments, learned another language for years, and most importantly, been part of a strong learning community built on bonds, many of which will last a lifetime.
Cherishing Childhood
Their early years are equally blessed, with a creative education that cherishes the roots of childhood through play, imagination and a love of nature, established in our Preschool and Kindergarten.
Formal learning begins in primary school, where a rigorous education is delivered with creativity embedded in the learning process. Our teachers are story-tellers, artists and musicians who enrich the core subjects of literacy, numeracy and science by bringing learning alive with imaginative flair and passion. They accompany their classes through the primary years as a Class Teacher, and become valued partners with parents in raising each child, building character and igniting a curiosity for learning and the world.
Middle and Senior School – a balanced curriculum
Our Middle and Senior Schools run a range of sports, outdoor education, musical and theatre programs, building a balanced and creative preparation for life. Glenaeon’s ACARA-approved curriculum is centred on the healthy development of our students and is seamlessly blended with local Board of Studies (BOSTES) requirements
Glenaeon is located on three campuses near Chatswood on Sydney's lower north shore. The main campus at Middle Cove is located on three hectares of beautiful bushland grounds reaching down to Scotts Creek and Middle Harbour. The Kindergarten and Classes 1 and 2 are situated on a quiet, tree-lined campus at Castlecrag with a beautiful playground, while the Preschool is in a home-based Federation house and garden in Willoughby.
We blend the NSW Board of Studies Curriculum with the ACARA-recognised Australian Steiner Curriculum and offer a wide range of subjects to HSC level.
All our students learn Japanese and German from year one, and music is part of the children’s daily timetable from kindergarten. Instrument tuition is introduced from Year 3, and the dramatic arts are also an important part of the school year for all students.
High school students can join a computer coding club, debating teams, intra and inter-school sports competitions, including fencing, netball and soccer, and several music ensembles, bands and choirs.
From Year 4 to 12 students engage in age appropriate outdoor education that builds confident wilderness and service experience in Australian environments, ranging from Tasmania to Central Australia.
For senior students, we offer a bi-annual European cultural tour, an alumni mentoring program, a leadership development program, and a senior research-based individual project as a wonderful preparation for tertiary level study.
Our Kindergarten-Year 2 campus is situated on a quiet, tree-lined campus at Castlecrag, with a beautiful playground filled with natural timbered play equipment, native gardens and the new Marion Mahony Griffin Hall. Our preschool is in a home-based Federation house and garden in Willoughby.
DRAMA CLUB
DUKE OF ED
ART SPACE
HOMEWORK CLUB
SPORT
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Yoga
- Frisbee
- Fencing
- Athletics
- Archery
MUSIC Co -CURRICULAR
- Sinfonia/School Orchestra
- Big Band
- Concert Band
- Jazz Combo
- Chamber Choir
To realise a contemporary understanding of the wisdom of Dr Rudolf Steiner which will prepare students to take their place as young men and women of distinction in Australian and world society.
Developmental: we value the foundation that a healthy childhood gives to a successful life. We support the need for children to play, be part of nature and enjoy a time free from the early commercialisation of childhood. We also value the developmental picture of human consciousness that has evolved through the ages of history.
Balanced: we provide a uniquely balanced education fostering the development of clear thinking, rich emotions and a strong will delivered through a high quality academic program, a flourishing creative and performing arts experience, and a practical training in traditional and contemporary technologies for every student.
International: along with over 1000 Steiner schools around the world we promote an international understanding and tolerance of diversity;
compassionate: we value an approach that fosters collaboration over competition as the basis for both individual achievement and community harmony. We strive to make every classroom a learning community;
Individual: we value the uniqueness of each individual student, recognising that each is on a path of biographical development unfolding his or her essence of self. “Unfolding Individual Journeys” is our school logo.
Sustainable: as Dr Steiner was a pioneer in sustainable agricultural practice in the early 20th Century, so we aim to continue this tradition through working in harmony with the forces of nature in a creative, collaborative manner.
Spirit-inspired: we value the expressions of the “wisdom of humanity” which have guided humanity in the great world religions and traditions, and through the curriculum, festivals and study we will nourish and support students, teachers and parents in creative, contemporary ways in harmony with Dr Steiner’s work.
Duke Of Edinburgh Award
This Award is offered at the beginning of Year 9 with students able to enrol at the Bronze level. Completion of the award gives students a great sense of achievement and they are able to progress to the silver and gold awards which are valuable additions to their resume. Glenaeon’s camps and activities support the students in the achievement of the Bronze award.
Parking & Transport
PRESCHOOL
There is a council car park for Bales Park on Sydney Street, right next to the preschool. If you are attending with your child access the preschool through the garden gates. If you are attending for a tour, please come to the front door and ring the doorbell.
CASTLECRAG
The Castlecrag campus is in a residential area of the suburb. There is street parking on Edinburgh Road, next to the campus and Edith Street, opposite the campus.
MIDDLE COVE
Glenroy Avenue is a narrow residential street and poses difficulties for parking and navigating at peak times. If you arrive during the day, street parking can be available on Glenroy Avenue and limited parking is available on campus. Otherwise, it is wise to park in Victoria Avenue and cross Eastern Valley Way, finding the path between houses near the bus stop on Eastern Valley Way that leads to Glenroy Avenue. The school gate is shut every day from 8:30am-9:15am and from 3:15pm-3:45pm. At other times limited parking is available on campus.
BUSES
Glenaeon is serviced by a range of government bus services and by three school run shuttle services. These services operate morning and afternoon each day from:
- The Eastern Suburbs
- Marrickville/Lilyfield
- Balmain/Lane Cove
- The Northern Beaches
For further information or questions please contact our Registrar at: enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au
Statement from Elizabeth Nevieve, Acting Head of School
I am very pleased to report on the outstanding results achieved by our HSC graduates of 2022.
Glenaeon's Year 12 students exemplified the school's ethos, with each young person finely navigating important inner questions concerning human purpose whilst immersing and engaging themselves in a rigorous, academic program. The range of courses undertaken this year reinforce the breadth of Glenaeon students' passions, with very fine achievements noted in diverse subject areas.
Glenaeon's recognition of accomplishment acknowledges the very hard work that underpins high academic performance. On equal footing, is our deep respect for and understanding of each student's personally unfolding journey through the final year of their secondary education. As a non-selective school that intrinsically values all aspects of human growth, on this day we are certainly highlighting student performance that reinforces Glenaeon's firm standing within the context of an academic tradition, and we most importantly give overall praise to each young person within our graduating class for their attainment of the HSC credential.
Standing behind our students' achievements are my colleagues and the students' families. I extend sincere thanks to our senior teachers for their professionalism, care and expertise. Their in-depth understanding of the nature of the HSC courses, coupled with their knowledge of how students learn, enabled those in their care to move through the year with confidence. Parents and guardians, you are an integral part of your child's becoming and education. Thank you for working so closely with the school and for the trust you have placed in us. We are immensely proud of our students for their deep, academic striving and determination to achieve their personal bests. We wish them every success in the future.
Warm wishes,
Elizabeth Nevieve
Acting Head of School
Dux of 2022
Riley MacPherson -ATAR 98:00 - We congratulate Riley on his outstanding achievements across the board which saw him gain a Band 6/E4 result (above 90) in all of his courses. Riley completed 11 units, studying Business Studies, English Advanced, Modern History, History Extension, Textiles and Design (studied externally), and Visual Arts. In addition, Riley must be congratulated for having his Major Works included in two HSC Showcase exhibitions, presenting exemplary works from across the state.
ATAR Over 95
20% of Glenaeon graduates achieved an ATAR over 95
ATAR Over 90
35% of Glenaeon graduates achieved an ATAR over 90
HSC Showcase Inclusions:
Public exhibitions of a selection of exemplary HSC Major Works:
- ArtExpress: Pipi Joannou, Riley MacPherson and Olivia Pethard
- TEXStyles: Riley MacPherson (course studied externally)
2022 HSC All-round Achievers (Band 6/E4 in 10 units or more) Riley MacPherson
2022 Distinguished Achievers List (Band 6 or E4 result in a course)
15 of 20 students were noted on the distinguished achievers list and received 25 mentions between them. Of the 103 examinations sat, 27% resulted in top band achievement, including three notional Band 6 awards in Mathematics Extension 2.
- Particular congratulations must go to the following students who have been recognised on the Distinguished Achievers List 2022 (Band 6/E4):
- Wesley Arconati - Business Studies
- Remy Brown - Business Studies
- Alexander Dow - Visual Arts
- James Gianoutsos - Construction Examination (studied externally)
- Andrew Hicks - Mathematics Extension 1
- Pipi Joannou -Visual Arts
- Grace Leong- English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Mathematics Advanced
- Isak Lindsay - Business Studies, Modern History,
- Jaydon Low- Mathematics Standard 2
- Riley MacPherson - Business Studies, English Advanced, Modern History, History Extension, Textiles and Design (studied externally), Visual Arts
- Scarlet McQueen - Visual Arts
- Olivia Pethard - English Advanced, Visual Arts
- Maadi Prasad - Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 (accelerated mathematics student)
- SiYun Tan - Mathematics Extension 1
- Minyu Vandenberg- Music 1
Students who undertake the demanding Mathematics Extension 2 course do not sit the Mathematics Advanced paper. The students noted below achieved a notional Band 6 award for their Mathematics Extension 2 result.
- Marcel Cope
- Andrew Hicks
- SiYun Tan
Significant Achievement (Band 5 or 6 / E3 or E4 results in a course)
77% of examinations sat resulted in an HSC mark over 80 (40/50 in the case of an extension course)
100% of students in the following subjects achieved in the top two bands (Bands 5/6 or E3/E4)
- Design and Technology
- English Extension 2
- History Extension
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
- Music 1
- Textiles and Design (studied externally)
- Visual Arts
There is now a sizeable diaspora of Glenaeon students spread across the country, and the world, who have in one way or another shared in the Glenaeon spirit.
Classes have regular reunions and there is a camaraderie that lives on between those who have been comrades-in-arms in Glenaeon classrooms.
The lives of our GlenXer’s make inspiring reading, and can be read online at http://glenaeoncommunity.com.au. So many of their stories demonstrate that our education has equipped them with a range of skills, attitudes and work practices which have translated into a diversity of successful careers.
Mia Westcott
Glenaeon K-12
Bachelor of Medicine, Newcastle University
Remote Medicine Placement, Solomon Islands
Paediatric Registrar, Newcastle Hospital
Zac Cohan
Glenaeon 1-12
International Studies, Macquarie University
Apple World Developers Award 2007
Co-founder: Picturesque, Soulver
Software designer
Lucy Minter
Glenaeon K-12
Trained as carpenter (Master Builders Association)
Law degree at UNSW
Organised building projects in disadvantaged areas of Brazil

We are very proud of Glenaeon’s history, current practice and unique vision for the future.
Glenaeon was founded in 1957 by Sylvia Brose OAM, out of the community around Walter Burley
Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Their enduring values of academic scholarship infused with design, the arts, community, nature and Spirit were ahead of their time. From this foundation, Glenaeon pioneered innovative teaching and learning in Sydney, and we are indeed proud of
the contribution our school has made to contemporary education.
Today, as an educational community from Preschool to Year 12 with 500 students, our school is able to foster a strong sense of connection while getting to know our students individually as their journey unfolds.
Glenaeon educates our students to a very high standard and gives them opportunities to find out who they are, in order to add something of value to the great human story.
To all our students, we offer two of life’s most precious gifts, hope and wellbeing: hope, so you can contribute meaningfully to the world story, and wellbeing, that you will be healthy, whole and skilled enough to do so.
Our task as a school is to give you the rich and nourishing environment that will inspire you, in a challenging and connected world, to build the foundation for a meaningful life.
I look forward to welcoming you to Glenaeon.
Diana Drummond
B.Ed. (Hons.), C.O.G.E., M.Ed. Leadership
MEDIA RELEASE
DIANA DRUMMOND APPOINTED GLENAEON’S NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL
Education leader Ms Diana Drummond has been appointed the new Head of School at Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School. Announced by Peter Candotti, Chair of the School Board at an all staff meeting on Wednesday afternoon, Ms Drummond will commence in the role in January 2023 taking over from Mr Andrew Hill who has held the position of Collegiate Chair and Head of School for the past 14 years.
Ms Drummond joins Glenaeon having completed more than 15 years in school leadership roles, most recently at Wenona where she has been Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning) since 2018 and is currently Deputy Principal (Professional Practice and Leadership). Diana’s prior experience included Vice Principal of the co-educational International School Bangkok, Head of the Junior School MLC Burwood, Junior School Deputy at St Catherine’s School, as well as senior leadership roles at the AIS NSW.
Of the appointment, Mr Candotti said, “I am delighted to welcome Diana to Glenaeon. She is a committed, passionate educator and leader whose values align with Glenaeon’s holistic, nurturing, and creative approach to teaching and learning. Her experience has demonstrated that she is an innovative, collaborative and future-focused educational leader who listens and invests energy into building relationships with individuals and groups. She is well experienced in leading learning communities, in strategic thinking, and the professional development of teachers and support staff. Building on Andrew’s outstanding legacy, Diana will capably lead Glenaeon in the next exciting phase of the school’s growth and development.”
On her appointment, Ms Drummond said, “Glenaeon presents an outstanding and unique educational offering. By developing each young person’s academic, cultural and emotional capacity through a focus on knowing students deeply, age-appropriate and integrated learning experiences, and strong community connection, Glenaeon is a school of choice for “thinking” parents. I am excited by the opportunity that a move into Steiner education brings with its focus on teaching as an artform and where the education of young people is imbued with meaning and purpose.”
Outgoing Head of School Andrew Hill said, “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Glenaeon. We have achieved so much over the past decade and a half, and I am extremely proud of the united and enriching community that has developed around our school. Diana brings long experience, enormous expertise and great personal qualities that will build on these foundations and take Glenaeon to new heights as a vibrant centre of Steiner education.”
Mr Hill will work with Ms Drummond to facilitate a smooth transition into 2023.
The Board wishes to thank all the candidates who applied and warmly congratulates Ms Drummond, and kindly acknowledges Andrew Hill’s significant contribution to the School, its teachers and staff, parents and students over the past 14 years.
Scholarships offered in 2018:
- Sylvia Brose All Rounder Scholarship (Foundation Scholarship) Year 7 Entry
- A means-tested Scholarship to students who could otherwise not afford to attend the school
- Glenaeon Scholarship Year 7 entry
- A general scholarship offered to a student with an excellent record of school achievement.
- Aaron MacMillan Music Scholarship Year 7 Entry
- A scholarship awarded to an outstanding musician. Students need to have achieved good passes in AMEB or equivalent exams at the following levels:
- Piano: Grade 6
- Strings: Grade 5
- Brass/Woodwind: Grade 3
- Orchestral percussion: Two years prior tuition
- The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of academic merit as demonstrated in Year 10 reports and a CV of interests and achievements
- Marion Mahony Griffin Scholarship Year 11 Entry
- The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of academic merit as demonstrated in Year 10 reports and a CV of interests and achievements.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/scholarships or call Enrolments on 02 9932 2325
(as voted by site visitors)
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Middle Cove NSW



















Middle Cove,
New South Wales