There are now nearly 900 around the world, some publicly funded, but the 33 in the UK are independent.

Most do not have head teachers but a "college" of staff, without normal hierarchy.

The schools give priority to educating the "whole child", with a strong emphasis on creativity. The academic, artistic and social aspects, or "head, heart and hands", are seen as complementary, with pupils working at practical activities such as gardening alongside classroom lessons.

Art, crafts, drama and music are integrated with science, which is also taught using a creative approach.

As well as the Steiner School in Moray there is one in Glasgow which takes children to the age of 12. Aberdeen takes them to 16 and presents for Standard Grade. Only Edinburgh teaches up to 18.