The Sheiling School at Ringwood offers full termly boarding for approximately 65 pupils.
The school's aim is to help the pupils to reach their potential and to enable their individual characters to unfold and be recognised despite any apparent emotional or learning disability.
The 8 houses, classroom blocks, gym hall, hall and swimming pool share the same large wooded site situated a mile from the market town of Ringwood.
Staff and pupils live together in the houses. In the Lower School the emphasis is placed on nurturing the children, including them in the 'family' experience of group living, whilst gradually developing social and practical skills. For the senior pupils a more varied and integrated programme is offered leading to wider experience. Similarly formal education, based on the Waldorf Curriculum is later complemented by a range of workshop experiences.
The school has on-site medical and therapeutic provision including a resident doctor, nurse and therapists. A purpose-built therapy centre has recently been opened on-site and a range of therapies are offered. Homeopathic medication is used to compliment any conventional medication.
A special feature of the school is the rich cultural life. Plays, concerts and performances are an essential part of the community experience as are the celebrations of the seasonal and Christian festivals.
The school shares the same site with a work training centre for young adults with learning difficulties and a working bio-dynamic farm is also part of the community.