The Steiner philosophy encourages a slightly later development than most state education, and a creative environment.Students can participate in both the government standard assessment, NCEA, as well as the Steiner School Certificate.In 2011, the school was concerned that plans for national education standards would not fit with the Waldorf policy.[3] Pupils at the school at the time were judged by the Education Review Office (New Zealand) to make good progress.[3] Notable alumni of the school include legal academic Professor Alexandra Sims.