Our History & Philosophy
The growth of osteopathy in Europe is much due to the pioneering efforts and the generosity of sharing of the ESO, which in its almost 70 years of existence has become one of the leading and most innovative schools in the history of the profession.
The ESO has a long history of innovation and continues to influence osteopathy across Europe and beyond. The School is renowned for its broad range of osteopathic approaches and it has a rich history of innovation and inclusiveness; modern visceral osteopathy began at the ESO under pioneers such as Jean-Pierre Barrell and the School was the first to introduce balanced ligamentous and spinal and pelvic joint muscle energy techniques to Europe from the USA. It was the first to teach and practise paediatric osteopathy, the first to include indirect and cranial approaches at undergraduate level and, more recently, first to welcome ‘Still techniques’ to Europe.
In 1951, under the visionary leadership of Paul Gény, often referred to as the 'Father of Osteopathy' in France, the Ecole Française d'Ostéopathie was established in Paris. Initially designed as a part-time course conducted in French, it specifically targeted state-registered physiotherapists who were inspired by the principles and practices of osteopathy.
In 1965, with the invaluable support of Tom Dummer and Margery Bloomfield, who would later become key figures in the founding of the European School of Osteopathy (ESO), the school underwent a significant transition and relocated to London. This move attracted a remarkable faculty of accomplished osteopaths. To better represent its diverse student body, the institution was renamed the Ecole Européenne d'Ostéopathie.
In 1974, the school found its permanent home in Maidstone, marking the birth of the European School of Osteopathy / Ecole Européene d'Osteopathie. It began offering a comprehensive four-year, full-time diploma course delivered in English.
A significant milestone in the school's history occurred in 1979 with the official opening of its independent premises at 104 Tonbridge Road. This event was celebrated with a ceremony attended by esteemed representatives from the World Health Organization, as well as dignitaries from the United Kingdom and across Europe. Additionally, a purpose-built clinic, the first of its kind in the field of osteopathy, was established in 1984 as an extension of the Tonbridge Road facilities.
In 1989, the ESO demonstrated its commitment to excellence and innovation by becoming the first osteopathic school in Europe to establish a dedicated paediatric clinic. As part of its evolving mission, the school gradually phased out its part-time French-speaking program. Instead, it focused on supporting the development of new osteopathic schools in France and Belgium while establishing the ESO International Department to facilitate international collaborations.
In 1993, a pivotal moment for the profession, the Osteopaths Act was passed in the UK, legally protecting the title of 'Osteopath' and making the country the first in Europe to regulate the osteopathic profession. The same year witnessed the ESO's diploma program receiving validation from a university, further solidifying its standing and recognition.
Continuing its international influence, the ESO formed new partnerships to meet the increasing demand for places in its UK degree program. In response, the ESO acquired Boxley House, which became the primary location for lectures and administrative offices. The Tonbridge Road site was dedicated solely to teaching clinics. In 1996, a new regulatory body, the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), was established, requiring all practicing osteopaths in the UK to be registered with the GOsC and hold a recognized qualification from an accredited training provider. Subsequently, the ESO's degree program was elevated to the level of a Masters in Osteopathy, reflecting the high standard of education it offered.
The European School of Osteopathy's journey is marked by a legacy of dedication to innovation, international collaboration, and the advancement of osteopathic education. It continues to thrive as a leading institution, shaping the future of osteopathy through its commitment to excellence and its enduring influence within the profession.
The ESO’s international influence continues with new partnerships formed. Due to demand for places on the UK degree programme, the ESO purchases Boxley House where the majority of lectures and administrative offices are relocated. The Tonbridge Road site operates as a dedicated teaching clinic. In 1996 a new regulator is formed - the General Osteopathic Council. All osteopaths practising in the UK must now be registered with the GOsC and must hold a recognised qualification from an accredited training provider. The ESO degree programme is later upgraded to the Masters in Osteopathy to reflect the high level of education provided.
In June 2006, an original A.T. Still walking staff* is donated to the European School of Osteopathy by American osteopath Stephen F. Paulus DO, as a symbol of the deep osteopathic connection between the United States and Britain and in recognition of links to all of Europe via its international collaborations. The staff takes pride of place at the ESO's Boxley House campus.
*The Becker staff was first gifted by A.T. Still to Arthur Becker DO as a token of their friendship and in reward for his devotion to Osteopathy. A graduate of the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri, Arthur Becker was one of the early osteopathic pioneers in America. The Becker Staff was bequeathed to son Rollin Becker DO and, when he died, to Donald Becker. The Becker Staff was presented to the ESO at the International Symposium held in Maidstone in June 2006.
In 2017 HRH Princess Eugenie of York becomes Royal Patron of the ESO. The Princess attends the ESO Graduation Ceremony for the first time, awarding UK full-time students the Masters in Osteopathy and students from our Russian partner schools the Diploma In Osteopathy (International).