The Downs Malvern

Mission statement

“The Downs Malvern aims to provide children with a fulfilling education based on exploration, challenge and success. We aim to be a close-knit school community which celebrates individuality and a school in which pupils can investigate new experiences and discover their passions, developing skills and characteristics that support lifelong learning and set them on the path for continued success.”

Academics

The Downs Malvern has a high standard of teaching with specialist teachers in each subject for children in the upper school. The early years curriculum aligns with the national curriculum and is enhanced in the later years to help pupils develop important skills like critical thinking, debating and communication. To help children work at a suitable pace for each individual, the pupils are set by ability level from Year 7 onwards.

Students are presented with academic challenges as well as opportunities to be creative through an extensive arts programme. This instils children with curiosity and a love of learning that will stay with them for life and will see them develop into confident and intelligent young adults.

The school supports pupils with Common Entry exams and Scholarship applications, and if required Individual Support Plans are used to help pupils with learning support requirements.

Activities & sports

The extra-curricular programme is an important part of life at The Downs Malvern, ensuring pupils receive a well-rounded and holistic school experience. The school encourages all students to get involved in sports to promote health and fitness from an early age, believing this teaches coordination, agility, teamwork and healthy competition. The school’s main sports include rugby, hockey, netball, football and cross-country in the winter and cricket, athletics and tennis in the summer. The school has a sports hall, games fields, Astroturf, and netball and tennis courts. Students also have access to Malvern College’s 25-metre swimming pool. Students can participate in sports recreationally or at a competitive level.

The school offers an extensive arts programme for pupils, which includes trips to art galleries around the UK. Students can participate in annual drama productions and a variety of school musical ensembles. The Downs Malvern's close connection with the Downs Light Railway also means students can develop creative and technical skills by helping to run the small railway line. Further hobbies and activities, such as Film and Science Club are also run at weekends and after school.

International student community

Many of the children who come to board at the school are from overseas and integrate quickly into the active and welcoming community. The teaching at The Downs Malvern ensures that every student can access the individual attention required to help them succeed in the British education system. The school teaches all children to communicate, read and write effectively so overseas students will learn English quickly and integrate into the school community with ease.

Boarding life

Around 20% of students are boarders. The boarding house provides a warm and vibrant community where students can find a home away from home. The pastoral staff, which includes teachers and house parents, get to know each student individually, building trusting relationships, catering to any needs and solving any problems promptly. Boarding facilities are well equipped with common rooms where children can socialise and play games with one another. There are often weekend trips to the cinema, art galleries, museums and theme parks.