The Elms School
Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, West Midlands · WR13 6EF
A small prep and pre-prep school taking pupils from age three through to thirteen, The Elms School in Colwall offers both day and boarding places to around 155 children. Its pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly five to one is strikingly generous, allowing close attention to each child. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. Notably, almost a quarter of pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a setting attentive to a range of learning needs.
155
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£28,455
Day fees / yr
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- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 3-13
- Pupils
- 155
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 5
- Location
- Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, West Midlands
- Website
- https://elmsschool.co.uk/
- Telephone
- 01684 540344
Headteacher
Headteacher Edward Lyddon
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Teaching & academics
The exceptionally low pupil-to-teacher ratio underpins a teaching approach built on individual attention, and the ISI's top rating of excellent reflects the quality of education on offer. The school caters for pupils through to Common Entrance age at thirteen, the natural transition point to senior schools. Academic scholarships are available, alongside awards in art, music, drama, musical theatre, sport and equestrian.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 24.52%
- EHC plans
- 3.87%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Beyond the classroom
The breadth of scholarship categories - from equestrian and sport to drama and musical theatre - points to a varied programme beyond the classroom. As a boarding school, it offers a structured residential life, and its excellent personal development rating speaks to the care given to pupils' wider growth.
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
Mobile phone free zone for children. Pupils do not have mobile phones in school, other than full boarders who have an allocated time slot to call home and then the phone is kept safely with the matron team in the boarding house
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £11,040 - £28,455
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £32,520 - £39,165
Bursaries awarded dependent on application
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 21 March 2025
The last word
A small, nurturing prep school where a five-to-one ratio and an excellent ISI verdict translate into genuinely individual attention. Its phone-free ethos and range of scholarships will appeal to families seeking a traditional, well-rounded preparatory education.
The Passmate verdict
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The Elms School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is The Elms School located?
The Elms School is located at Colwall, Malvern, Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6EF.
What type of school is The Elms School?
The Elms School is an independent (fee-paying) school in West Midlands.
How many pupils attend The Elms School?
The Elms School has approximately 155 pupils on roll.
What is The Elms School's inspection rating?
The Elms School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 21 March 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.