The Downs Malvern
School summary
A small Church of England prep school taking children from the age of two right through to thirteen, The Downs Malvern combines day and boarding places for just over 200 pupils. Its pupil-to-teacher ratio of around seven is notably low, allowing close attention to each child during these formative years. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent' in both education and personal development, with compliance requirements met. It suits families seeking an intimate, all-through preparatory setting in Malvern, with the option of boarding.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
Free month · No payment needed
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 14 June 2023
Teaching & academics
An ISI 'excellent' judgement points to strong teaching and outcomes across the prep years, supported by a generous staffing level that gives pupils individual attention. As an all-through prep school ending at thirteen, the focus is on preparing children thoroughly for their next senior schools. Academic scholarships are among the awards on offer.
Head · Mr A Nuttall
Beyond the classroom
The breadth beyond the classroom is reflected in scholarships available for sport, art, drama and music, signalling genuine investment in the arts and physical pursuits. Boarding provision allows pupils to take fuller advantage of school life across the day and week.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
Mobile phones not allowed at school. Pupils welcome to bring them but must be handed into reception upon arrival
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £10,665 - £25,635
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £22,650 - £33,915
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Means-tested bursaries of 100 per cent available
Schools nearby
The Elms School
Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire, West Midlands
Abbey College in Malvern
Malvern, West Midlands
Malvern College
Malvern, West Midlands
Malvern St James
Malvern, West Midlands
Bridge School Malvern
Hanley Swan, West Midlands
Bankside School
Malvern, West Midlands
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small, nurturing C of E prep with boarding and a strikingly low pupil-to-teacher ratio. Means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent widen access to a school where fees otherwise run high.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
Free month · No payment needed
The Downs Malvern 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.