Alumni

Denis Wight was the first pupil to be enrolled in the school in 1939.

After graduating, he became a teacher and Guardian at the school.

In 1976 the work on the construction of the new Pelham Moffat School Hall began and Denis was clerk of works for this project.

He later joined Anthroposophy Scotland, where he remains Treasurer of Anthroposophy in Edinburgh.

The philosophy (Anthroposophy) behind the Steiner Waldorf education can be applied to all walks of life and it is out of this that the teachers work. The philosophy itself, however, is not taught to the pupils.

Dr Elise Cartmell (1979 – 1989), Chief Scientist, Scottish Water, a company with a vision to be Scotland’s most valued and trusted business, and carbon net zero by 2040. She received the prestigious recognition being appointed a Fellow by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).

“At the school you receive a great deal of support and encouragement. For me, that meant I learnt to worry less and to just give everything a go.

My time at school provided me with an incredibly broad education and understanding. It
has helped me to be able to look at things differently and provide alternative perspectives to challenges. Above all though, the school helped provide me with the confidence, selfreliance and motivation to keep going!”

Albert Watson is a world-renowned photographer. He met his wife at Edinburgh Steiner School, who would later give him his first camera.

A school photograph of them both, aged 4, sitting side by side featured in an exhibition of his work in Edinburgh.

Albert has spoken of his ‘Rudolf Steiner’ education over the years, saying it developed his creativity. When asked: Did your schooling at the Rudolf Steiner School in Edinburgh affect your creative development in any way? by Shotkit, Albert responded:

“It certainly did. Rudolf Steiner schools have this particular way of teaching. They bring a lot of creative thought into the teaching of those various subjects. I think it did have an effect on me, yes.”

(1992 – 1997)

Entrepreneur (Sassenach spirits), philanthropist (My Peak Challenge, raising around £6million for charity), multi-award winning tv and film actor, producer, author, Global Brand Ambassador for Barbour, co-designing lines of clothing, patron for Youth Theatre Arts Scotland, and (if we go back to his school days), former band member. Heughan has received honorary doctorates from the University of Stirling (2019), University of Glasgow (2019) and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (2022) for his acting and benevolence.

It was the Class 8 play that gave Heughan his first foray into acting, playing the infamous character of Bill Sykes in the school’s production of Oliver! However, it was playing the main character in the Class 12 production of Moliere’s The Prodigious Snob that the now world-renowned actor identifies being the experience that led him to follow a career path into acting and the moment he thought to himself, that he truly enjoyed what he was doing. He would later establish his career in the accolade-studded Outlander, the historical time-travel series filmed and set in Scotland.

On his school days, Heughan reflects: “Looking back on it, it was really a good time, a really warm time. It felt like a very safe environment. I think there was a real bond formed, not only between our ourselves and the teachers; but also ourselves as students, you know. A number of classmates, we are still in touch. I don’t really get to see them that much, because I am busy. But there is definitely this network.”

Interview with school for 80th anniversary (4 minute clip on  YouTube, Instagram, Facebook)  

There is a family of Steiner Waldorf Outlanders: Actors Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies, Graham McTavish and Gary Lewis as well as couple Ronald D Moore (Executive Producer) and Terry Dresbach (Costume Designer).

1945 – 1954

Graduated from Edinburgh University with an MA in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. Awarded a DSc by the University of Edinburgh (1996) and an Honorary DSc(Eng) by the University of Leeds. (2007)

Anthony spent the whole of his career at the University of Leeds, retiring in 2001 as Professor of Scheduling and Constraint Management in the School of Computing.

His research throughout was in the development of heuristic and mathematical systems for scheduling public transport services and their drivers, starting in 1960 with his work on rail locomotive scheduling by computer, adopted by British Railways in 1963. 

This was the first computer scheduling system successfully to be implemented for rail operations anywhere in the world, and saved three locomotives on its first application.

Anthony and his team went on to tackle ever larger and more complex transport scheduling problems throughout his career, leading to their adoption by the UK’s largest bus company by the time of his retirement and their use by many train companies in subsequent years.

He is now an Emeritus Professor. 

“Steiner education provided me with an interest in all the world has to offer, and the relationships between different components. A love of mathematics and languages.”

(1981 – 1992)

Professor of Global Change Biology.

“The most useful lesson while at school were the Main Lessons, which gave me a broader knowledge than would otherwise have been the case.

What I took with me into life and work from the school was the ability to challenge conventional wisdom”

Ilya’s research showed quinoa could be grown in the UK, the media covered.

(1993 – 2001)

Elly graduated with an excelllent set of qualifications and yet consciously decided to take the unconventional route into a career by not going to university. She is now Global Accounts Director at international IT company.

Co-founded philanthropic HospoLive during the Covid-19 lockdown, broadcasting up to 5 hours a day of icon interviews, wellness and upskilling workshops. (Shortlisted for the GQ Magazine Food & Drink Innovator award and the Hospitality Lockdown Hero Award).

In 2020 Lachlan and his brothers Jamie & Ewan (BROAR) embarked on a 3,000 neutical mile row across the toughest seas for charity. “Our schools gave us the strength to row the Atlantic” Lachlan in TES

“A campaign to row an ocean generally takes between one and three years. We all agree, though, that our preparations started in the classroom between 15 and 21 years ago. This might come across as quite a bold statement. How could schooling prepare us for 35 days of rowing continuously, sleeping two to three hours a day and making a total of over a million strokes?

The answer is that rowing an ocean is a test of far more than just your ability to row. I’d go as far as to say that rowing was in many ways secondary to the other skills we’ve had to develop to make it across successfully. From fundraising and hosting events to web design and writing newsletters – we have been blown away by the number of activities this project involved.”

Five years later, taking on the largest ocean in the world, ‘Lala’ almost drowned in the Pacific, before being pulled onto the boat by his brother; and celebrated his 27th birthday on the water. 

‘The more time it has been since we left Steiners, the more grateful we are for that grounding,’ Lachlan tells us. ‘I think the Steiner way is absolute gold, it breeds individuals,’ he tells his former Class Teacher from the Pacific.

Lachlan manages The Maclean Foundation.

The Maclean siblings, Jamie (above), Lachlan and Ewan broke three world records rowing the Atlantic:

1. The first three brothers to row any ocean.

2. At age 23, 25 and 27, they became the youngest trio to row in up to 40 ft waves and shark-infested waters of the Atlantic.

3. Setting off on 13th December, 35 days, 9 hours and 9 minutes on, they hold the record as the fastest trio, beating the previous record set by almost a week.

In 2025, five years on from their Atlantic row, TheMacleanBrothers rowed the full Pacific Ocean, becoming the fastest ever to do so, by almost three weeks.

Yet breaking world records was not their ultimate objective. “It is so much more purposeful if you are doing it, and it is helping others.” 

Combine their passion for adventure with the purpose of having a positive impact, they have raised over £1Million to provide 40,000 people with clean, safe water for life.

Back home, Jamie runs a small design and build practice in Glasgow. He’s fascinated with how things are designed, made, how things can be improved. 

Ewan MacLean, and his brothers, having never rowed seriously before, first rowed the Atlantic; and five years later, built their own boat alongside ocean rowing legend Mark Slats, to row the 9,000 nautical miles of the Pacific. This challenge was a world first; no team had rowed the full Pacific Ocean non-stop and completely unsupported. It took five months – or 139 days, 5 hours and 52 minutes to be exact.

Clean water is the most basic human necessity on the planet, yet 10% of people worldwide don’t have access to it. The money raised will “bring change not just at community level; it will bring structural change to this entire region. Madagascar is a country in which only 14% of the rural population have access to a clean water source. We’re doing something to change that.”

The brothers attended ESS from 18 months to age 15 years old.

Their Atlantic story was made into a documentary Out of Our Depth.

After nearly a decade at Dyson, Ewan left his career to return to Scotland and become a full-time brother. Was it a mistake? Only time will tell…

 (1983 – 1992)

Special Interest in Oral Surgery, Sedation and Facial Aesthetics

Hannah is involved in teaching, research and examining for the Edinburgh Royal College of Surgeons.  She has worked in Bangalore, India with the Smile train charity for cleft surgery. Her most recent passion is trying to get some funding for trips to Greece to carry out oral surgery in the many refugee camps where oral infection and pain is a huge problem.

“I have many fond memories of school. I particularly enjoyed the school productions, the Christmas fair, and the hours spent in the art room.

I hugely appreciated the emphasis on the environment and nature as a way to more fully
understand our place in this world.

I believe that the school gave me tremendous confidence and a greater understanding of the breadth of talent and skills that can be appreciated in each individual. I believe this has helped me as a doctor and a surgeon.

The only thing I would change is that I would have stayed in Edinburgh and my children
could then have gone to the school!”

(1978 – 1991)

Technical Director at SST Sensing Ltd

After graduating top of his class in Applied Physics and Electronics at Napier University, and a postgraduate diploma in Advanced Electronic Design, Patrick has
enjoyed an international career as an engineer. He believes his career success is due to the 12 years
he spent as a pupil at the Edinburgh Steiner School.

What have you taken with you into your life and work from the school?

“An ability to communicate with others and a drive to get things done. I’m not scared to try new things. I think the balance of education at the school was a great benefit. While I was always going to be strongly biased to the sciences, the more artistic subjects were beneficial, as were the crafts like woodwork, which I loved and still do. The excellent teaching of German and the exchanges there were great. I still regularly practice my German with customers.

What sets the education apart is the way in which the subjects are taught which leaves pupils with a
passion for learning as well as recall of the topics covered. While riding in a taxi in Bangalore one day on business, I was also able to chat to the driver about the Hindu gods which I’d learned about in a
Main Lesson in the Lower School – he was pleasantly surprised.”
 

(2008 – 2014)

Finalist at “Fly Your Ideas Competition” at Airbus 2019

Co-Founder at Mako Aerospace

“I have a lot of favourite memories from school but in particular was learning physics. 

I remember distinctly learning it because it was explained in a way that made me understand the underlying principles instead of just memorising the equations. Best example would be when Mr Hooper explained types of waves using a slinky, it was a very impactful experience being able to visualise a sound wave made me understand it so much better. I think this fuelled my curiosity and passion for the subject.

I have always struggled with maths if a calculator is not to hand; therefore I dreaded the non-calculator math exam, especially the trigonometry. The most useful main lesson to date was trigonometry. It gave a new deep understanding of how and why trigonometry works and also that it is so useful.

I think the most pronounced thing I took away with me was curiosity. I left hungry for knowledge because learning was really a pleasurable experience for me, from chemistry to basket weaving. It led me to start a company as I wanted to do something new that would benefit the environment and feed my curiosity. 

I came to Scotland from Norway so my English was less than fluent. This meant I had a hard time catching up to others in my class. The school luckily is brilliant in that it and splits up the class into different levels even with a small class. This meant I got the right pacing for me through the SQA, all the way to the point I was able to join to do Highers.”

(Kindergarten – Class 12 in 2013).

DipCNM, Dip Child Health,

BANT and CNHC registered Nutritional Therapist at Cara Redpath Nutrition. She
specialises in the developing immune system and children’s health.

 (1980s – 2002)

Previously at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Now Policy & Strategy Deputy Director at UK Infrastructure Bank

Attended Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.

Shirley was one of the first 8 kindergarten pupils in the school in 1939. She later became a teacher in the school, retiring during the pandemic.

(2003 – 2015)

Computer Science at the University of St Andrews

Software Engineer

“For me, the key thing that made the Steiner experience empowering and truly educational was the effort made across all ages to provide a well-rounded education. Despite the fact that I have always been scientifically-minded and was set from a young age on a future in science or tech, some of my favourite memories from school years come from the arts and humanities classes. From the hours that flew by in the art studio to learning how to analyse and appreciate literature in English classes, my teachers have always encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone- a skill that has proven invaluable both in academic studies and in general life.”

When asked what did you take into life from your Steiner education? Sophie reflected that it was “a curriculum that celebrated the interconnectedness of everything, and the power of an interdisciplinary approach to solving the challenges we face in the world today”.

(1960 – 1969).

Denis Wight was Gordon’s Class Guardian.

Attended Heriot Watt university before completing a Waldorf Teacher Training at Emerson College.

Started teaching chemistry in 1973 and retired in 2012 after 39 years at the chalk- face. Elise Cartmell was a pupil.

Class Guardian to 5 classes.

Gordon was heavy involved in the development of our campus. The purchase
of Craigneen cost £37,000 and the school had only £42,000! All the work to make the villa a school had to be done on a self-help basis. It was in a terrible state. The property had been a “hotel” and was condemned by the authorities for this purpose (hence the bargain price). Gordon lead a team of mainly old scholars and senior pupils to achieve this. 

(1984 – 1997)

Musician, singer, song writer for James Brown is Annie

JBiA are the modern day Scottish extention of R’n’B legends Average White Band. The group’s three albums JBiA, James Brown is Annie II, Ask Your Doctor) are produced by Molly Duncan. They are the only band to have headlined two different stages at the famous Edinburgh Hogmanay street party.

1999 – 2016

Author & Illustrator

Insta: @Lizzy_Mikietyn

What did you take into life from your Steiner education?

“Wow, lots and lots of things! A love of so many different subjects and disciplines. I still really enjoy learning things for the sake of it. It’s amazing how often something I learned long ago in a Main Lesson pops up in everyday life (this happened surprisingly often at university in lectures!).

I really think that the way I was taught at school helped me achieve a first in my degree because we were always encouraged to think outside the box instead of just being spoonfed.

Thinking critically and creatively and finding new ways to solve problems are really important assets in further education and in life in general!

Also self motivation – I’m self-employed now, so I value that more than ever – and, on that note, the idea that I could become anything I wanted to.

So many people who went to the school have gone on to have really interesting and diverse careers!

Also love how community-focused the school is. Everyone knows everyone! I now have friends for life – fellow pupils as well as teachers.

There are so many other things to talk about, but these are the ones which jump out!”

 (1979 -1991)

Owner of Stewart Christie & Co and published author (The Art of Tweed, The Secret Life Of Tartan).

Vixy was the first female member in Incorporation of Edinburgh Tailors history (first mentioned in 1473).

Vixy championed the creation of an SVQ in bespoke tailoring to address the decline in the skill of tailoring in Scotland and drive new generations to take up the craft.

“Looking back it was the simple things that meant the most. I think being allowed my very own candle, on my desk at Advent was one of my earliest memories. But overall the friendships which were forged along with the supportive ‘family’ nature of the classes was something which has stayed with me, as at that point in my life I needed some foundations to build from. Needless to say the school trips broadened my mind, as did the art and drama classes.

The most useful lessons learnt stay with you your whole life, from art and Philosophy through to Eurhythmy and language, I learnt communications and morals , which I have used in my life and a little my books . The hardest thing learnt, is only really seen in hindsight; when you are young you find a lot to complain about, about the school and about the lesson , but an education is the journey that shapes and strengthens us and the hardest lesson is you never stop learning.

My creative journey, and my passions always seem to start with colour. Now working with fabric, my love of tone, hue and texture is echoed through my creations and designs. I learnt the value of natural fabrics and craftsmanship, from start to finish, always looking locally to source both cloth and makers. I find beauty in all aspects of my creations and not just the obvious visual ones, the meaning and ethic behind the work means so much too.”

Alumni of ’79

Wolfe Murray is a writer, editor and creative problem solver. His first self-published book is titled ‘The Wind and the Castle’, a fairytale inspired by Hermann Hesse.

“It sat on the metaphorical shelf for years” he says of the ebook. Asked ‘Do you think there’s a place for fairy tales today?’ he replies: “If you had asked me this question before I wrote this tale I would have said “of course not — fairy tales are ancient stories for kids”. But now I think that this genre, as well as fiction in general, are useful tools for everyone.”

Apart from a love story it has an ecological message too. Review Sphere notes it is “Beautifully written, with its combinations of magic and realism”

Rupert has written several books (Nine Months in Tibet, Stephanie Wolfe Murray – A Most Unlikely Publisher); produced two documentary films, published hundreds of articles and spent several years working for the Department for International Development (DFID) as an editor and PR consultant.

In 2016 he returned to his old school to speak to pupils about independent travel – living from day to day, relying on your own resources, accepting whatever your journey brings. His book ‘9 Months in Tibet’ was originally called Hitching to Shanghai. He never got to Shanghai; did it matter? Not at all. When travelling, Rupert has four guidelines: observe, absorb, adapt and work.

 www.wolfemurray.com

(1944 – 1957)

Attended Edinburgh College of Art

Professional Artist and published six novels:

Numerology, Orion Plain and Simple (2017); Simply Numerology (2005); Ancient Egyptian: Magic and Ritual (2003), An Honest Woman (1987), Time to Weep (1987); My Secret Gorilla (1982)

Anne was commissioned to create eight big drawings of all the main protagonists for the film premiere of Educating Rita, including Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Willy Russell, the playwright was to be dressed in Elizabethan garb as Shakespeare.

Graduated 1966

Career in microelectonics. Design and manufacture of silicon very large scale integrated circuits, managing teams based in UK (Bristol), France (Grenoble), Italy (Catania) and India (NOIDA/Delhi).

Now retired and currently Chairman of Yatton Parish Council.

What did you take into life from your Steiner education?:

“A class teacher, Lawrence Edwards, who had faith in my abilities and encouraged me allowing me to fulfill my dreams.

I have fond memories of the dedicated teachers.”

(1992 – 2001)

Former broadcast investigative researcher / Associate Producer on 18 documentaries (Crime & Investigations Network, BBC Panorama, C4 Dispatches, Radio Scotland, STV) and currently Communications for ESS (producing Now We Are Six short film, writing/photography for ESS News website and ESS Talks platform). Co Director of Mark Miller Landscapes Ltd

 (1980s – 2001)

Producer / Filmmaker

Owner Stramash Films

Nursery to Class 12. Class of 1969

Website

(1980s – 2001)

Architect & Associate

Class of 1968.  Founder Floris Books.