Welcome
"It is impossible for all but the hard of heart not to get swept along in the magic of The Downs Malvern. 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
The Downs Malvern is a welcoming, active and exciting place in which children thrive. We value the individual and understand that learning is for all, supporting each and every pupil to fulfil their potential and find their passion.
Our school benefits from an enviable location and facilities which, when combined with a passionate team of staff and enthusiastic pupils, results in an unquantifiable ethos of positivity, ambition and purpose that infuses all that we do.
Through the wide range of academic and co-curricular opportunities, our children gain a wealth of experience.
We foster the pupils’ kindness, independence, and confidence, and our ‘Skills to Thrive’ programme ensures that the children are equipped with a set of skills that will stand them in good stead for whatever the future brings.
I look forward to welcoming you to this outstanding school, so you may witness first-hand the family atmosphere and sense of fun that underpin our focused approach to learning.
Andy Nuttall Headmaster
Today's explorers, tomorrow's
explorers, role models
Pre-Prep
The years from the age of three to seven provide the building blocks of a child’s formal education, and our Pre-Prep offers just that, by delivering a broad and balanced combination of learning and play in a friendly, structured and supportive setting.
Children can join our Nursery during the term of their third birthday, and even at this young age, they are taught about the world around them, through exploration, play, story-telling and collaboration. Caring staff and generous child-to-staff ratios ensure that all children are known as individual characters, whose strengths celebrated, and potential realised.
Regular off-site visits bring art, drama, science and history to life, sparking the imagination of our children and fostering curiosity.
Extensive curricular and extra-curricular activities are offered, such as art, music, drama, sport and design technology, as well as a full afternoon of ‘Outdoor Adventure’ within our school grounds,
where children learn resilience and develop an appreciation of the natural world. We are fortunate to be located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with our campus boasting open fields, woodland and even our very own smallholding containing pigs, chickens, quail and sheep.
Our children move on to Year 3 in our Prep School, eager to confidently embrace the next stage of their educational journey.
“A charming all-rounder that robustly, yet almost stealthily, prepares children for their next step while they get on with the vital task of just being children.”
Talk Education
Ottilie
Story Writer
Junior Choir
Ballet Dancer
Explorer
Prep
Every child matters, and it is our goal to bring out the very best in each and every one of our Prep School family. Inspiration and breadth form the core of our Prep School curriculum as we introduce children to new and exciting subjects and explore familiar ones in far greater depth.
From Year 3, all children experience specialist teaching in science, art, DT, and music, delivered in modern classrooms and workshops, including a suite of three well-equipped science laboratories. Drama productions, art exhibitions, musical concerts and a huge assortment of clubs and activities, all contribute to a well-rounded education, and it is also a time when competitive sport is introduced, with opportunities to represent the school regionally and nationally in athletics, hockey, cricket, netball, swimming and many more.
As their Prep School journey develops, children become increasingly independent before being introduced, in Year 7, to the TDM Baccalaureate.
Structured around our seven ‘Skills to Thrive’, the baccalaureate has been carefully designed to provide a broad, high-quality education, whilst also ensuring that children join senior school in Year 9 with a self-motivated approach to learning, equipped with a surefooted confidence that will serve them well throughout their lives.
We are unashamedly ambitious for our pupils and have a robust track record of helping them to achieve 13+ scholarships to a number of high-quality schools throughout the UK. However, regardless of their chosen path, our staff are committed to achieving the very best outcomes for each and every child, as we nurture them through these formative years.
“A school that balances intellectual firepower with a big slice of kindness and community, expect a first class prep education in a caring setting.”
Muddy Stilettos
Art
"Art has made me feel more confident… whatever I'm feeling, I can express my emotions on the canvas."
Current Pupil
Art at The Downs Malvern thrives on experimentation with pupils developing self-confidence as they learn new ways to express their thoughts and feelings creatively. Indeed, the development of visual literacy is of paramount importance in our modern world.
The Malvern Hills provide an inspirational backdrop for our well-equipped studio and, combined with expert teaching, we are able to offer a broad range of practical and theoretical art, craft and design mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles and three-dimensional creativity.
In addition to pupils’ work being displayed throughout the school, we celebrate a healthy programme of competitions each term, and there are also opportunities to be promoted through local and national art exhibitions and competitions.
Our pupils have an excellent track record of securing art scholarships to some of the best senior schools, and prospective candidates receive expert guidance both in curating their portfolio and in preparation for their interview.
Curriculum Highlights
» Exhibitions and competitions are held regularly, with pupils also designing, making and painting stage scenery and props for the school’s many theatrical productions.
» Art galleries and museum trips to cities including Birmingham, Bristol and London, are a popular feature, in addition to welcoming visiting artists and workshops to The Downs Malvern.
Drama
“My son is a different child since doing drama here –it’s been the making of him.”
Current parent
Drama can play a vital role in developing a child’s confidence and self-esteem; empowering them to thrive both individually and within a group setting and, as such, we strive to provide every child with the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Throughout the academic year, there are a wealth of chances to take to the stage during assemblies, House competitions, within the public speaking and debating forum, and as part of our Activities and Saturday Hobbies programmes.
Our Drama curriculum is carefully designed to support and inspire children as they grow in confidence and independence steadily; exploring and engaging with an array of texts and cultivating a passion for Drama that extends far beyond the realm of the classroom.
Curriculum Highlights
» Pupils can gain experience in public speaking, build confidence and earn additional qualifications, through optional one-to-one and small-group LAMDA lessons.
» There are many opportunities to take part in Drama clubs and school productions outside of the classroom, in both after-school Activities and through the Saturday morning Hobbies programme.
» Regular chances to perform at impressive venues, including Malvern College’s Rogers Theatre.
Music
"We have tried so many instruments from around the world. Our music lessons are always such fun."
Current Pupil
Music plays a central part in life at The Downs Malvern and for good reason. In addition to being a wonderful source of self-expression, studying music provides a fascinating historical study as pupils gain an appreciation of different cultures and their contributions to the music that we enjoy today. It is also a fantastic way of bonding with others and mastering important life skills, such as complimenting the skill sets of others and learning to flourish within a group setting.
Creating music together is fundamental to our approach, and we place particular emphasis on performance. From choirs and small group ensembles to orchestras and solo performances, children benefit greatly from experiencing the thrill of performing and the confidence that it fosters.
Curriculum Highlights
» Private tuition is offered in a range of instruments including piano, guitar, violin, voice, brass, woodwind, percussion and more, with a wide range of groups and ensembles available across many genres.
» Music productions are held throughout the year. Recent highlights include Mary Poppins Jr and Rats, with further opportunities to perform in assemblies and events each term.
» An inspiring programme of workshops and trips including Orchestral days, Choral events and theatre excursions.
Sport
At The Downs Malvern, we recognise the tremendous benefits of sport on the physical and mental well-being of young people, not to mention teamwork, resilience, discipline and the many other positive and valuable life skills that they develop.
All of our pupils participate in our core Games provision in addition to our curriculum-based PE programme, where the focus is on swimming, fundamental movement and physical fitness.
Regular school fixtures and a variety of interhouse, regional and national events are undertaken throughout the year, including IAPS tournaments, Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s, and more, with pupils also given the opportunity to participate in our popular bi-annual sports tours.
Whilst we actively promote an inclusive approach to sport at the school, we are also fully committed to challenging and developing our most gifted pupils through our new Sports Development Programme, and we enjoy positive links with a number of notable sports clubs in the local area.
"We have seen our daughter’s confidence, passion and ability grow exponentially, and with strong role models to learn from, she has competed at both regional and national level. She will be ever grateful for the sporting skills that she developed at The Downs."
Current Parent
Harry
Academic Scholar
Cricketer
Historian Explorer
Exploring the classroom
Exploring beyond classroom
Enrichment
Reassuringly broad in nature, our enrichment activities provide pupils with a fun and stimulating way to widen their interests and improve their health and wellbeing, and are offered in two distinct formats: weekday, after-school Activities and our Saturday morning Hobbies programme.
Aside from pupils’ obvious enjoyment, our after-school Activities also provide a useful service to parents balancing a busy work life by providing wrap-around care for their children until 6pm on weekdays.
Pupils regularly suggest additional Hobbies to the School Council, resulting in an exciting and diverse selection of Saturday morning pursuits. Horse Riding, Farming, Robotics, Cookery and Golf, sit alongside popular mainstays including Mountain Biking, Art, Drama, and Entrepreneurial Studies, with parents often praising the convenience and breadth of the programme.
We are also justly proud to boast the oldest privately owned light railway in the world: ‘The Downs Light Railway’. Introduced in 1925, the railway runs around the school grounds and includes its own station on site. Aside from the eccentric joy of riding the train, pupils can obtain a wealth of engineering skills by examining the inner workings of this miniature marvel.
For a comprehensive overview of our Hobbies programme please visit our website.
"Our son absolutely adores Saturday Hobbies, and there is far more on offer than we could arrange outside of school."
Current Parent
The Great Outdoors
At The Downs Malvern, we understand the profound impact that outdoor learning can have on the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of our pupils, and we are fortunate to be located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that enhances this experience. Our commitment to outdoor education is reflected in the extensive opportunities available to pupils from Nursery through to Year 8, ensuring that all our children enjoy the many benefits of engaging with the natural world.
Our smallholding, introduced in 2022, has expanded to include pigs, sheep, chickens, quail, and even bees, and has inspired the launch of our popular Saturday morning Farming Hobby, allowing pupils to explore the principles of modern farming and develop an appreciation for animal husbandry.
Our flourishing market garden also provides children with practical horticultural skills, with much of the produce grown by our pupils sold within the local community, while our redeveloped Forest School is enjoyed, both within the curriculum and as part of our wider Hobbies and Activities programmes.
Our dedication to eco-conscious learning has garnered national recognition, winning ‘Best Eco Initiative’ in the Muddy Stilettos Best School Awards and receiving ‘Best Wildlife Garden’ for our pupil-designed installation at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival.
Through these rich outdoor experiences, our pupils develop a deep respect for the environment, and a sense of responsibility that we hope will guide them throughout their lives.
"The outdoor provision at The Downs is outstanding, and my daughter has learnt so much about the world around her."
Boarding
We are proud to offer bright, comfortable and inviting dorms, and we encourage the children to personalise their spaces, to reflect their personalities and interests, and further increase their sense of belonging.
Our two large common rooms bustle with activity and laughter and form the core of the boarding house, where all ages, boys and girls, socialise together. A wide range of activities are available in the evenings and at weekends, including sports, outdoor pursuits, creative activities and trips; however, we also recognise the importance of unstructured, free time; after all, school days are action-packed, and everyone needs time to recharge their batteries.
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, with the reassurance of 24-hour medical care, should it be needed. We offer a range of boarding packages designed to meet the diverse and evolving demands of busy families, with full, weekly, and flexible packages available.
“My daughter loved boarding. She felt well looked after and supported and, as a family, we were delighted.
Highly recommended!”
Current Parent
Mini Malvern
"Sending our children to Mini Malvern was an excellent decision; the opportunities they have received are second to none, and my children feel absolutely at home."
Current Parent
Based at The Downs Malvern, Mini Malvern Nursery offers the very best start for children aged six months upwards. Quietly tucked away among the Malvern Hills, the nursery provides a wonderful, nurturing environment for babies and toddlers, with homely surroundings, and nutritious, home-cooked meals, prepared daily by our in-house chefs.
Whether joining Acorns (6–24 months), Saplings (24–36 months), or Oaks (3–4 years), our highly qualified and enthusiastic staff ensure that every child’s individual needs are met, and that they receive outstanding care and support to enable them to thrive.
The nursery boasts three bright, modern classrooms and two outdoor gardens with adventure play areas. In addition, children have
access to The Downs Malvern’s beautiful 55-acre site, which features a Forest School, an orchard, and a smallholding with pigs, quail, chickens, guinea fowl and sheep, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor learning experience.
We continually develop our range of activities to engage children both mentally and physically, paying particular attention to initiatives that foster creativity, STEM learning, self-esteem, overall development, and fun!
Mini Malvern is open from 8am to 6pm, 49 weeks a year. Government funding is accepted, and flexible packages are offered to accommodate most needs.
For more information, please visit our website.
Campus Map
"If you want a gloriously rural backdrop to lessons, this place is perfect..."
Muddy Stilettos
Pavilion
To Colwall
Main Games