Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning (Lisal)
URN: 132095 • Lancaster LA1 5QU
Overview
- Name
- Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning (Lisal)
- URN
- 132095
- Type
- Other independent school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- None
- Admissions
- Non-selective
- Trust
- Private
- Yes
- Ofsted rating
- Good
- Ranking score
- 53.8 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Kathryn Flasby (since 2025) , Teacher Co-Ordinator
- Telephone
- 01524381876
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Lune Road, Lancaster LA1 5QU
Summary
Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning (Lisal) is a mixed independent school located in Lancaster, Lancashire, catering to a small cohort of 12 pupils with a capacity of 40. The school follows the Waldorf Curriculum, emphasising holistic education that nurtures the whole child—balancing intellectual, emotional, and practical development. Lisal aims to foster a love of learning through creative teaching methods and a nurturing environment, allowing children to grow at their own pace without the pressures of testing.
The school serves children up to age 11 and collaborates with Appledore Montessori Nursery to provide a continuous educational journey from 9 months to 11 years. This partnership enhances the school's commitment to alternative education, offering a gentle approach that prioritises individual care and attention in small class sizes.
Lisal is the only Steiner school in the North West of England, attracting families from across the region who value its unique educational philosophy. The school encourages community engagement through open days and public events, fostering relationships with local organisations that share its educational values.
The school serves children up to age 11 and collaborates with Appledore Montessori Nursery to provide a continuous educational journey from 9 months to 11 years. This partnership enhances the school's commitment to alternative education, offering a gentle approach that prioritises individual care and attention in small class sizes.
Lisal is the only Steiner school in the North West of England, attracting families from across the region who value its unique educational philosophy. The school encourages community engagement through open days and public events, fostering relationships with local organisations that share its educational values.
Useful links
- SEND Offer (sen)
- Public Events (calendar)
- Ofsted rated GOOD May 2023 (download)
- The Green Parent Guide for Alternative Learning (download)
- Admissions (other)
- Admissions Guide (other)
- Policies and Downloads (other)
- Safeguarding Policies and Information (other)
- Term Dates (other)
Nearby alternatives
- The Loyne Specialist School (66.9)
- University of Lancaster (58.7)
- Jamea Al Kauthar (53.8)
- Stepping Stones School (53.2)
- Beaumont College - A Salutem/Ambito College (52.9)
Key details
- LA
- Lancashire
- Age range
- 3 - 11
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Does not have a sixth form
- Trust
- Capacity
- 40
- Pupils
- 12
- Boys
- 6
- Girls
- 6
- FSM %
- Open date
- 1999-11-19
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2023-05-25
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Lancashire
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 40 | |
| 2024-09-11 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 40 | |
| 2023-09-11 | 25 | 11 | 14 | 40 | 0.00 |
| 2022-09-11 | 25 | 11 | 14 | 40 | 0.00 |
| 2021-09-11 | 27 | 10 | 17 | 40 | 0.00 |
| 2020-09-11 | 30 | 14 | 16 | 40 | 0.00 |
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