Born out of the anthroposophy movement in Sydney, Glenaeon’s foundations were laid by the dedication of Sydney Anthroposophical Society chair, architect, and associate of Walter Burley Griffin, Eric Nicholls (1902-1965), alongside dedicated teacher and anthroposophical practitioner Miss Sylvia Brose OAM (1915-2001).
From these early beginnings, the school grew steadily, attracting families seeking a more balanced and spiritually informed approach to learning. In 1962, Glenaeon opened a second campus at Middle Cove and formally adopted the name Glenaeon-Dalcross Rudolf Steiner School. When the Dalcross site was later sold in 1973, students, families, and teachers came together once again, relocating to the established Middle Cove campus and adopting the school’s current name, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School.
In 1994, Glenaeon acquired the former Castlecrag Infants School site, opening the Castlecrag Campus after years of community protests, demonstrations, and green bans opposing the State Government’s plan to demolish and redevelop the school. The campus opened that same year for Kindergarten to Class 2, with Class 3 joining from 2026. Today it continues as a place of education and community connection through events such as the annual Glenaeon Family Fair and the regular use of the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall by local community groups.
To meet the growing needs of local families seeking a Steiner early childhood education, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner Preschool, then known as the Children’s Cottage, opened in Willoughby in 2006. Set within a Federation-style house and garden, the preschool offers a nurturing, play-based environment that lays a strong foundation for children’s lifelong learning and development.
For more than six decades, Glenaeon’s story has been shaped not only by its campuses, but by the people who have carried its values forward. Generations of parents, teachers, students, and community members have contributed to a rich shared culture of festivals, creative work, care for place, and service, ensuring Geneon continues to foster meaningful lives and lifelong learning.
Get in Touch with Our Archivist
Our dedicated School Archivist, Will Bryant, can assist with any research enquiries and archival donations. Get in touch via email here.
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About Us
A personal welcome from Diana Drummond, reflecting a vision of education rich in meaning and purpose.
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Steiner education is a holistic, child centred approach to learning that seeks to educate the whole human being.
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These are the values that shape us, the vision that guides us and the mission that inspires everything we do.
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Gleneaon is located at three different locations on the lower north shore of Sydney.
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Seeking a career with purpose? Join a school where teaching is an art and every staff member belongs to a greater story.
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See where we’re heading - our roadmap for the next chapter in nurturing thoughtful, capable and courageous young people.
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Glenaeon has developed policies on a range of subjects of relevance to parents and students.
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Explore reflections and insights from our community - newsletters, reports and stories that narrate and celebrate the rhythm of life at Glenaeon.
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Meet the dedicated leaders who guide Glenaeon's vision, uphold our values, and take ultimate responsibility for our school's direction and wellbeing.
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a School Like No Other
The best way to understand Glenaeon is to feel it — the calm, the colour, the creativity in motion. Come walk the grounds, meet our teachers, and see how learning comes to life in a deeply human, gently guided way.
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