WHAT / WHERE

Malvern College is a selective, co-ed, day and boarding school, for ages 13 – 18 with 655 pupils. Sitting on a knockout 250 acre site, it is located on the edge of the affluent town of Malvern, and at the foot of the Malvern Hills in eye-wateringly beautiful countryside.

Founded in 1865 and one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the UK, only the very steeliest of hearts could fail to fall in love with the stunning buildings, it genuinely is like a mini Oxford, or an IRL Hogwarts. But don’t let the initial Gothic chic fool you into thinking it’s all starched collars and Latin declensions. Instead, the College prides itself on having a very progressive approach to learning, and initiative and independent thinking are highly valued here.

The College champions something called the ‘Malvern Qualities’, a bedrock of 11 tenets – from Collaboration to Risk-Taking – which are embedded into the curriculum, to equip pupils for life and challenges in a rapidly changing world.

Malvern College is obviously a high-achiever on the academic side of things, but also strongly champions the importance of super and extra curricular activities. But then the College has traditionally always been a pioneering place. As well as being one of the first schools in the UK to offer the IB, it was an early adopter of Nuffield Science (the introduction of experiments in science education), language laboratories and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

Malvern College is a real calling card, and waiting lists to get into the Sixth Form are testament to this. Forty-five percent of students come from 46 overseas countries, so it’s a cosmopolitan campus, giving pupils a global life outlook on life, not to mention a lifelong network of friends around the world.

Whilst having a strong reputation as an all-rounder, the College excels in the breadth of sports and outdoor opportunities it offers, little wonder with such rarified access to the Malvern Hills just minutes away.

Got young ‘uns? The College has strong links with sister Prep school, The Downs Malvern nearby, so there’s a level of continuity to be had from 3 to 18 if you desire. Expect a strong C of E heart beating at the College’s core – this is a school rightly proud of its history – but all denominations are welcome and many diverse festivals are celebrated throughout the year.

THE FACILITIES

Blimey, where do we start! One of the best provisions we have seen. Arriving down the sweeping driveway you are met with an educational dreamscape of lofty Victorian spires and towering turrets; schools do not come anymore beautiful than Malvern College. The campus is big, so they’ll have to be organised to get to lessons on time (no dallying here) but it also means that there is everything you could possibly want in a school and more, as there is so much space.

If you can drag your eyes off the wow-factor main buildings, the rest of the 250-acre site is an attractive mix of red brick buildings and stylish, modern, new build facilities, from an impressive sports centre, and spacious, state-of-the-art facilities for art, music and drama and a dedicated science building.

Of course, as with any school this of this vintage, Malvern needs modernising in some areas, but this is well underway. There was a big, two day festival earlier this year to launch the Sustainability Programme, an ongoing drip fund to inject cash wherever it’s needed over the next few years, starting soon with some zhushing-up of the Music School in 2024. Electric car points have also recently been added around the school.

MUSIC / DRAMA / THE ARTS

There’s an exceptional offering here for the Arts. Pupils have a newly refurbished 270-seater, state-of-the-art theatre complex to wax lyrical in. Recent annual musical theatre productions include the wonderfully highbrow Les Mis, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Then there’s the fiercely contested annual House Drama Competition, musical theatre evenings and dance showcases.

Malvern offers Drama scholarships at 13+ and 16+ entry levels and award holders take part in an annual ‘Scholars’ Play’ (productions of Wolf Hall and Henry V in recent years), and occasionally pupils are invited to audition for casting directors as well as attending regular theatre trips, practical workshops and talks. Pupils have access to all the usual LAMDA examinations here, which are very popular and consistently impressive results are achieved.

Although it’s about to get a little spruce up, there is already a very well equipped Music School. Malvern College became an All-Steinway School in 2021 after taking delivery of 28 professional-grade pianos. On average 210 pupils learn at least one instrument with approximately one third of those learning two or more instruments. And 2022 was a busy year for out-of-school concerts, including the The Jazz Band performing at the big Royal Three Counties Show.

Music exam results continue to improve with record numbers of pupils achieving Grade 8, and with two pupils achieving distinction in the ARSM exams.

The Art Faculty faculty is a bright, creative space, with the entire building acting as a gallery and exhibition space. Whichever floor you enter on, there is always a riot of colour to admire, from fancy CAD projects to textile and fashion design. The department also has extended open hours, so that pupils can experiment without pressure or deadline and just spend some time discovering their passions. Earlier this year an A-level pupil even won the award for Best Artwork Project at the Boarding School Association’s Supporting Excellence Award.

SPORT

If you’re into sport you will be in heaven here. Malvern College has a long established reputation for excellence in sports, but it’s not just all rugby and cricket, the College offers more than 20 sports now. There are exceptional sporting facilities here including a big sports hall (also used by the public), playing fields and tennis, squash and rackets courts, with specialist coaches on hand to give them the best start to a budding sports career.

The cricket pitch is impressive and immaculately kept, laid out magnificently in front of the main building, they’ll feel like they’re bowling at Lord’s. But then the College has a big reputation as a Cricket School, with pupils going on to play at a professional level, such as former Malvernians Jack Haynes, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Josh Baker. Keep your eyes peeled in the future for recent leaver Olly Cox who has been awarded ‘Schools’ Cricketer of the Year’ by the Wisden Almanack.

Each pupil participates in a sporting activity at least three times a week and typically, 80% of Malvernians represent the College in at least one sport. No place for the lethargic here, Malvern College’s trophy cabinet is well stocked, with teams at Malvern College taking part at both regional and national levels.

ACADEMICS

The College boasts consistently outstanding academic outcomes. Pupils have the choice of taking up A-Levels or the IB in the Sixth Form, plus there’s a pre-IB course for international students starting in Year 11. It is selective, so you’ll have to knuckle down to get in, but it’s not all about the score sheet at Malvern College. They actually welcome applications from students who can demonstrate curiosity and a keen willingness to embrace challenges.

The figures add up on paper too. Last year, (2022) 62% of pupils achieved grades 9-7. A total of 81% achieved grades 9-6. In terms of A-Levels, 44% achieved grades A*/A and 74% achieved grades A*-B. The IB scores look equally impressive, with 2022’s cohort getting 37 points as an average score, compared to a worldwide average of 32.

Of the 2022 cohort, 77% took their first choice university and 64% received offers to Russell Group Universities. Of the QS World University Top 10 Rankings, Malvern pupils are taking places at 5/10 top ranked global universities.

if you’ve got a bright spark on your hands, it’s a great place. Transformative scholarships at 13+ and 16+ entry, are awarded to those with exceptional talent in Academic, Drama, Design & Technology, Art, Photography, Music and Sport.

Money tight and need a helping hand to even think about coming here? You’re in luck. Head Keith Metcalfe is on a mission to increase bursary numbers through extensive fund-raising, and means-tested funds are already generously supported by the Malvernian Society.

WHAT ELSE?

Malvern College’s outdoorsy offering needs a special shout-out. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the surrounding Malvern Hills provide the perfect outdoor classroom. All pupils are strongly encouraged during their time here to pedal, climb and explore the local countryside. There is also a very popular CCF contingent at the school, although it is not compulsory.

The Outdoors Programme is extensive and packed with cool-sounding activities. In the summer of 2021, 10 students took part in an epic Malvern to Paris challenge. Over 21 days Year 11 to 13 students travelled 850km, via bike then kayaking and paddleboarding across the English channel, raising thousands for charity – impressive stuff.

The expedition made the front of The Times and Sky News. In 2024 students will be preparing to cycle, canoe and sail from Switzerland back to the UK, completely self-supported. What comes across consistently at the College, is that personal development and independent thinking are highly prized. There’s a strong mantra that qualifications may get students a foot in the door to the future, but it’s the person you become underneath that is paramount.

THE HEAD

Head Keith Metcalfe has been in the leather-backed hot seat since 2019, and brings with him a wealth of experience, including Deputy Head of Harrow. His roots are close by however, educated at Monmouth School, before doing a degree in Geography at Cambridge.

Warm, engaging, articulate and debonair, he has a statesman-like charm about him (and an uncanny resemblance to Daniel Craig in some lights!), fitting me in for a chat very accommodatingly just minutes before he was due to jet off to visit Malvern College in Tokyo. He has three children going through both Malvern College and The Downs Malvern.

A keen runner, cyclist and golfer, he admits he loves to spend time in the nearby Malvern Hills. One of those people you meet who seems to radiate positivity, when he came to Malvern College Metcalfe inherited a school doing many things well, but his mission has been to turn good into excellent, and create a buzz around the school.

One of his major drives has been to introduce a pupil-led co-curriculum, to help students develop rock-solid life skills. As a result, the student body has much more of a voice now, with pupils being able to set up and run their own societies, examples being a Cricket Society that evolved into debates on statistics and Indian nationhood and a Mental Health Through Art Club.

He offers up that far from being some kind of wokery, this approach is about creating confident young people who are independent thinkers. His goal of making sure Malvern College turns out humans that go into the wider world and make a positive difference is a laudable one.

Other interesting changes that are being rung include a new-look school uniform from September 2023 for new pupils entering Year 9, reflecting the changing times with contemporary, loose-fitting jackets and trousers that have been ethically sourced and manufactured (eco brownie points there).

Also in the pipeline is The Malvern Award, a new award scheme to recognise and reward pupils’ contributions across the life of the school, motivating students even further to get stuck in to all College has to offer.

PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral care at the College is strong, Pastoral and Safeguarding Teams are in place to help teens with the inevitable life challenges that crop up. Posters are visible throughout the school, urging pupils to express concerns or worries and not ‘bottle them up’ with helpful contact details and reminding pupils that help is available 24/7.

Initiatives such as Mental Health Awareness Week are actively discussed throughout the school year in pupil-led workshops and Chapel assemblies.

There is also a buddy system for new pupils, Peer Mentors and Head of House teams, who all work hard to promote the importance of kindness and working together. Parents are not left out of the loop either, but provided with a regular updated Guide that includes details about pastoral initiatives and safeguarding.

SEND PROVISION

You can rely on a very good level of assistance for SEND pupils here. College’s Learning Enhancement department, which is based in its own on-site building, has eight members of staff on hand.

All pupils are screened when they join to identify possible indicators of specific learning difficulties (SpLD) and 1:1 tuition is given, individually tailored to meet the needs of each pupil. There is also in-house assessment for dyslexia and access to the services of a local Educational Psychologist and other qualified assessor when the need arises, in order to apply for Access Arrangements in public examinations.

BOARDING

There is a traditional full boarding offering at Malvern College, centred around 11 Houses: six boys’ Houses and five girls’ Houses. All are located around the perimeter of the campus, the Houses feel like they really hug the school site. There are currently 21% day pupils to 79% boarding pupils, and there are three different types of boarding available (Day Pupils Extended, Day Pupil Fully Integrated and the Full Boarding option).

All staffed are highly experienced and strive hard to make it a home-from-home. House teams work collaboratively with the House Master or Mistress, so they get to know each child exceptionally well. The Buddy system and Peer Mentors in each House are on hand to help pupils make new friends quickly, spot any signs of homesickness and help newbies integrate into House life.

There are lots of activities once lessons finish at lunchtime on Saturday for boarders and the afternoon is filled with sports fixtures, matches and practice.

There are more than 200 co-curricular activities to get stuck into at the College, from Astronomy Society to Yoga. There is always something happening on the weekend evenings too, they can take their pick from house baking and pizza evenings to trips to the cinema or theatre, mountain biking in the Malvern Hills, or just some quiet chill time with a book. The Houses also offer in-house dining, so the community in each House feels really close knit.

TRANSPORT

You won’t have to fret about the school commute here. There are six morning bus routes and three evening bus routes that run five days a week. College buses travel to those more remote catchment areas, collecting from local pick-up points around the surrounding counties.

If the train is a more convenient way in, handily Malvern College is only a short walk from Great Malvern train station.

QUIRKS

Malvern College has its own version of Hunted – we kid you not! It’s hide and seek on steroids. Hunted is a cool-sounding, faux-survival adventure race that pupils take part in. Led by Jay Watts, the College’s Head of Outdoor Pursuits, in this much-anticipated annual event pupils take to the Malvern Hills where they must evade detection by staff, search teams and sniffer dogs, to be in with a chance of winning money for their chosen charity. I heard from several pupils that it’s the highlight of the school year!

And, then there’s ‘Lost’, which drops students 50km away from school blindfolded, requiring them to find their way back using just their own skills and initiative. Definitely no bubble-wrapping going on at this school, pupils take guided risks and are self-reliant; Bear Grylls eat your heart out.

FEES

A platinum education does not come cheap, but you get a lot of added value for your hard earned cash. Day pupils fees (per term) range from £9,995 to £10,550. Boarding pupils fees (per term) range from £14,950-£15,995. Find out more here.

ISI Report

Malvern College gets a sparkly gold star, top-of-the-class ‘Excellent’ in its latest ISI Report. Read it here.

WORD ON THE GROUND

Parents say that pupils are stretched and challenged here, and there’s big praise for the academics and the popular IB offering. The wow-factor facilities seem to really impress people and students say they love the fantastic sports complex and amount of activities on offer. No one I found felt it was a ‘hot house’, and I guess the huge range of co and super curricular events going on are strong testament to that. Also coming in for praise from students was the great sense of camaraderie and belonging that you get from coming to study here.

MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: An outstanding, all-rounder that manages to juggle academic ambition and traditional values with a sense of fun and forward-looking ethos. Hard to pull off. Good for internationally-minded, bright young things. Malvern College is one of the UK’s most prestigious schools but there’s no hot-housing here, instead the emphasis is on a balanced education and a nurturing environment. Got an unquellable sense of adventure? You’ll be thoroughly in your element here (and out in them). And ohh, that movie set backdrop!

Not for: If you lack a lust for life it’s probably not the place for you, but be warned, you won’t stay lethargic for long. If you’re easily intimidated by grand settings the palatial setting may not be your bag. Lovers of cosy, hyper local schools will be out of their comfort zone, Malvern College is catnip to a large cohort of international students who flock here for the learning experience.

Dare to disagree? Go see for yourself at the Open Day on Saturday 7^th October 2023.

Malvern College, College Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3DF

Malvern College, Malvern

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