The Downs Malvern

"It is impossible for all but the hard of heart not to get swept along in the magic of The Downs. It has the very best ingredients of a rural prep, somehow keeping children young while also prepping them for next steps." The Good Schools Guide, 2023

The junior arm of the prestigious Malvern College, The Downs Malvern offers a robust and inspiring education for children aged 3-13 years in one of the most beautiful areas in the UK.

Situated on a rural 55-acre campus in the village of Colwall, the school is located 3 miles west of Malvern, just 15 miles from the M5 motorway, and also served on the main line from London Paddington.

We continually strive to exceed the confines of the National Curriculum in academic, as well as cultural, sporting, and environmental accomplishments, and in 2023 were awarded Best Eco Initiative in the Muddy Stilettos Best School Awards, in addition to being shortlisted for Small Independent School of the Year in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards. Further to this, the school was also rated as ‘Excellent’ in its most recent ISI inspection.

Following a seamless transition from Pre-Prep to Prep School at age 7, pupils progress to a variety of independent senior schools including Malvern College. With this in mind, the emphasis in Years 7 and 8 is not only on specific preparation for 13+ scholarships and Common Entrance exams, but also on our new, bespoke two-year course of study called the TDM Baccalaureate. This is unique to The Downs Malvern and is underpinned by a rigorous and stimulating academic curriculum. It also focuses on the development of a forward-thinking skill set that prepares children for their future studies and lifelong learning.

Sports, especially team games, are a significant part of the curriculum, as are Art and Music; with more than half the number of pupils learning to play a musical instrument. There is also an ever-expanding Saturday Hobbies programme that includes activities as far-reaching as Farming, Horse Riding, Yoga, Sports, Art, and even Engineering on our very own miniature railway. Introduced almost 100 years ago as an educational tool, The Downs Light Railway is believed to be one of the world’s oldest miniature railways and features its own station and track that runs around the school.

Boarding

Our refurbished Boarding House provides a home for up to 60 boarders and is offered on a full, weekly, or flexible basis. Bright, comfortable and inviting dorms are offered throughout, in addition to two large common/games rooms and a wide range of activities are available in the evenings and at weekends, including sports, outdoor pursuits, creative activities and trips.

Pastoral care is of the utmost importance and a team of dedicated, resident staff, led by our Houseparents, is always available, spending mealtimes, evenings and weekends with the children and providing a kind, caring and dependable source of support. The team also includes two resident matrons, providing the reassurance of 24-hour medical care should it be needed.

Facilities

The Downs Malvern boasts excellent facilities across all areas of the school including a 300-seat capacity Concert Hall; self-contained Music and Art buildings; well-equipped Science laboratories and a new Design and Technology suite. Additional facilities include a large indoor sports complex, supplemented by an all-weather pitch, 3 Netball/Tennis courts and 55 acres of grounds set aside for games pitches, Forest School lessons and relaxation.

Scholarships and Bursaries

11+ Scholarships and Exhibitions are awarded annually to pupils who evidence exceptional talent in Academics, Art, Music, Drama, or Sport. Bursaries are also available subject to the completion of a means-tested bursary application, as are discounts for current serving members of the Armed Forces.