Malvern College Review: Fees, Rankings, And More
Malvern College is a co-educational day and boarding school, known for its strong academics and excellent support for students. In this article, we’ll cover key details – including academics, boarding life, extracurriculars, and admissions – to help you understand what Malvern offers.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Malvern College
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Worcestershire
- Pupils: 637; sixth formers: 329
- Ages: 13-18
- Gender: Co-ed
- Religion: Church of England
- Fees: Day £13,415 per term; Boarding £19,765 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Malvern College Results (2025)
In 2025, 90% of A Level students achieved A*-B grades. Many students gained places at leading UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE, and St Andrews. Others pursued specialist fields such as Medicine, Engineering, and Cyber Security. A few students also opted for alternative routes, such as flight school and professional sports.
The school also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB), with an average score of 36 in 2025.
At GCSE, 56% of students earned grades 9-7 (A*-A), demonstrating a strong academic foundation.
Beyond the UK, 22% of students continued their studies at top international universities, including institutions in the US, Canada, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Malvern’s results reflect its commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for future success.
Teaching and Learning at Malvern College
Malvern College delivers a challenging and flexible academic programme that supports students from Year 9 through to Sixth Form.
Lower School (Years 9–11)
In Years 9 to 11, students follow a broad curriculum that covers English Language and Literature, Mathematics, and the Sciences. This strong academic base ensures they gain a solid understanding across key subjects. As they move forward, students begin working towards GCSE and IGCSE qualifications, which are designed to build subject knowledge and analytical skills.
Sixth Form (Years 12–13)
In Sixth Form, students choose between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This dual-pathway approach allows them to pick the qualification that best suits their goals. A Levels offer focused study in three or four subjects, ideal for students with clear academic interests. In contrast, the IB promotes breadth, critical thinking, and global awareness, with six subject groups alongside core components like Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay.
Super-Curriculum
In addition to the main curriculum, students can take part in Malvern’s Super-Curriculum. This programme offers opportunities for extended academic exploration through student-led groups and societies. For instance, the Aston Society (Lower School) and the Wheeler-Bennett Society (Sixth Form) provide platforms for pupils to pursue topics beyond the classroom and take ownership of their learning.
Boarding at Malvern College
Boarding at Malvern College offers more than just a place to stay – it’s a key part of school life. With a strong House system and a supportive pastoral team, students experience a home-from-home environment where lifelong friendships are formed.
Around 75% of students are boarders, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere even on weekends. Every pupil, whether boarding or day, belongs to a House, creating a strong sense of belonging and support. The school offers three options to suit different needs: full boarding, day-boarding, and day.
Malvern College has 11 Houses—six for boys and five for girls. Each House is a close-knit community, with a mix of students from different backgrounds and interests. The House staff, including Housemasters and Housemistresses, ensure that students feel supported and settled. A buddy system and peer mentors help new students adjust quickly.
House pride runs deep, with students competing in inter-House events, from sports and debating to music and drama competitions. Beyond competitions, students enjoy a range of activities, from paintballing and theatre trips to relaxed evenings with movie nights and baking sessions.
Each House has kitchens and common rooms where students can unwind. Sixth Formers typically have private rooms, while younger students share larger dorms. Facilities vary, with some Houses featuring Steinway pianos, outdoor spaces, and comfortable social areas.
Extracurricular Activities in Malvern College
Malvern College offers a rich and varied extracurricular programme, ensuring that every student finds something they enjoy—whether in the arts, sports, outdoor pursuits, or academic societies.
Music at Malvern is outstanding. The school is an All-Steinway School, boasting 30 Steinway pianos, including a performance grand used for recitals. It serves as the headquarters of the National Schools Symphony Orchestra and is a rehearsal space for various local groups. Students can join multiple choirs, orchestras, and instrumental ensembles, with regular performances throughout the year. There are also informal ‘unplugged’ sessions for bands and house music competitions that get everyone involved. Many students continue music at university, securing scholarships and choral awards.
Drama is just as strong, with students regularly performing in plays, musicals, and student-led productions. There are opportunities both on and off stage, from acting to technical roles like lighting and sound.
For students interested in design, technology, and visual arts, Malvern provides excellent facilities, including 3D printing, laser cutting, woodwork, and metalwork. Photography is offered as a separate A level, and many students go on to study architecture, art, or design at top universities.
Malvern’s super-curriculum encourages students to take charge of their learning, with subject-based societies often led by pupils themselves. There’s a wide selection of clubs, including debating, creative writing, film club, and Model United Nations. Students are also encouraged to form new societies based on their interests.
Adventure is a key part of life at Malvern. The outdoor pursuits department runs activities like climbing, mountain biking, and kayaking, making full use of the Malvern Hills, River Wye, and Brecon Beacons. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) includes the Army, RAF, and Royal Marines and is linked to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, allowing students to complete both simultaneously.
Sports at Malvern
Sport is a major part of school life, with top-class facilities and expert coaching for students of all abilities. While there are specialist programmes for elite athletes, every student is encouraged to take part.
- Main sports: Rugby, hockey, netball, and cricket.
- Popular choices: Girls’ football (several players in the U18 national development squad), cross-country (the legendary Ledbury Run), and fives.
- Cricket: A major focus, with Malvern winning the national U18 T20 championship in 2019 and 2021.
- Hockey: Played year-round, supported by a new water-based pitch and a large indoor arena.
- Other sports: Swimming (including canoe water polo), golf at a nearby club, shooting, and rackets, a traditional independent school sport with fierce competition.
Admissions Process: Entering Malvern College
13+ Entry (Year 9)
Families should register at least three years before entry, as some houses fill up quickly. Applicants take online entrance tests assessing verbal and non-verbal reasoning. About 35% of students come from Malvern’s linked prep schools, while the rest join from various schools.
14+ and 15+ Entry (Years 10 & 11)
A limited number of places are available for students joining Year 10 or taking a one-year pre-A Level/IB course in Year 11.
Sixth Form Entry (Year 12)
Around 30 students join the Sixth Form each year. Applicants need at least six GCSEs, including English and maths, with a mix of grade 5s and 6s. They must achieve at least a grade 6 in subjects they plan to study at A Level or IB (a 7 for sciences, an 8 for further maths). Candidates also take subject-specific tests, along with English and maths assessments where relevant. School reports and interviews form part of the selection process.
SEN Support in Malvern College
Malvern College is committed to supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through a comprehensive, whole-school approach. The Learning Enhancement department plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the needs of students with learning difficulties, which may include dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism spectrum conditions, and attention-related challenges.
Upon entry, and throughout their time at the College, students are assessed to detect any learning difficulties. When necessary, referrals are made to Educational Psychologists or Specialist SpLD Assessors for full psychometric evaluations. These assessments, conducted with parental consent, help in formulating Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that provide teaching staff with tailored strategies to support each student’s unique learning profile.
The College collaborates with Local Education Authorities to ensure effective SEND provision, especially for students with Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans. This collaboration ensures that the specified educational provisions are effectively implemented, allowing students to make meaningful progress.
For students with English as an Additional Language (EAL), Malvern College provides appropriate support, recognising that EAL needs are distinct from SEND. However, if SEN needs are identified during assessment, suitable support is arranged to address those needs.
Malvern College Testimonials and Reviews
Glorious setting on the side of the Malvern Hills. Campus is relatively compact compared to some schools and all departments are within easy reach. Mainly purpose built boys boarding school and retains the individual House system. Went coed some 25+ years ago. Each house holds around 60 students (approximately 660 in total) with dedicated boys and girls houses. Primary sport is cricket with hockey due to feature more given the recent installation of additional astro pitches.
I’ve been here for summer school, it is a fantastic place. The first image of the school that comes to me is it is very similar to the school in Harry Potter. A traditional English school. I’ve set this place as a target that I would be intending this school soon. Its such a good place.
Beautiful campus, skilled teachers, caring headmaster
The best college 👌
Frequently Asked Questions about Malvern College
Malvern College typically admits students at 13+ (Year 9), 14+ (Year 10), and 16+ (Sixth Form).
Yes, applicants take entrance assessments, which may include online tests, written exams, and interviews.
Yes, non-native English speakers may need to take an EAL (English as an Additional Language) assessment.
The school offers nearly 30 sports, including rugby, cricket, football, hockey, tennis, and rowing.
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