Head Teacher and founder Tara Royle gives us an insight into daily life at the school and shares their core values.
Learning That Thrives in Nature
At Wildwood, at least half of every week is spent outside — under trees, on Hampstead Heath, exploring, creating and discovering. We believe the natural world is not just a learning environment, but a partner in learning. With a tiny school of just 20 children and high staff-to-pupil ratios (no more than 1:6), every child is seen and valued. They are free to move, follow their curiosity, and grow in their own time.
At Wildwood, childhood is valued and protected: children are encouraged to be themselves, take risks, and engage with the world around them in a safe, supportive environment where learning, play, and self-expression go hand in hand.
Emotional Well-being at the Core
We understand that academic success is deeply connected to emotional health. That’s why our bespoke curriculum places emotional literacy, mindfulness and well-being on equal footing with reading, writing and maths. From grounding exercises in the morning, to our dedicated “My Time” after lunch — quiet moments for reading, meditation or mindful colouring — children learn how to understand and support their own inner world. This gives them resilience, empathy and calm, forming the bedrock for everything else they do.
A Child-Centred Community
Wildwood is more than a school — it’s a community. Our teachers model the behaviours we ask of children: they start each day with mindfulness and mindful presence, showing children how to pause, notice, and engage. Every child is paired with a key person who knows them deeply: their interests, strengths, challenges and hopes. This allows each child to flourish in their own way, be it through story-telling, den-building, woodwork or quiet reflection.
The bespoke curriculum places emotional literacy, mindfulness and well-being on equal footing with reading, writing and maths
Why Parents Are Choosing Wildwood
Parents choose Wildwood because they want something different: a school where their child’s curiosity isn’t constrained; where play, risk-taking and nature are part of everyday learning; and where time spent outdoors and inner life are just as important as the academics. It’s a place where each child’s voice is heard, each idea is valued, and each day is a step towards wholeness and growth.
If you’re a parent seeking an education that honours nature, nurtures the whole child and builds vibrant, grounded learners for the future — Wildwood Nature School may be the right fit for your family.
For more information do get in touch — we'd love to hear from you.
Admissions for September 2026 admissions are now open.
Useful Links
Email: contact@wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk
Website: https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/
Admissions page: https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/admissions
Application form: https://form.jotform.com/233543998257370
Contact page: https://www.wildwoodnatureschool.org.uk/contact
