Today’s explorers,
tomorrow’s role models.

There’s no single “right” age, but many families choose to start in Reception or earlier so their child can build strong friendships, confidence and academic foundations in a setting that feels like home. At The Downs Malvern, most pupils join in the early years and grow up with us from Mini Malvern Nursery through to Year 8. However, we also welcome children into later year groups, including at Year 7, for a focused transition to senior school.

Both sectors have excellent schools. What makes independent prep schools like The Downs Malvern distinctive is our smaller class sizes, greater curriculum flexibility and high levels of pastoral care. This allows us to tailor each child’s education, ensuring they are supported and challenged in equal measure.

Children can join The Downs Malvern from as young as 6 months in our nursery, Mini Malvern, and continue through to age 13 in our Prep School. Reception starts at age 4; however, we welcome enquiries for any year group and can advise on current availability and the admissions process.

Yes, we do. Taster Days are the perfect opportunity for children to experience life at The Downs Malvern. Each child is paired with a buddy from their class and joins in with the normal routine, from lessons and playtimes to lunch, so they can feel at home and make new friends.

Read more about Taster Days on our Admissions page.

Class sizes in our Pre-Prep at The Downs Malvern are deliberately small, typically around 12 to 15 children. This allows us to offer highly personalised support, both academically and pastorally, while giving each child the space to grow at their own pace.

Yes. We offer wraparound care from 7.30am to 6.00pm, including breakfast club, after-school clubs and supervised activities. Our flexible provision is ideal for busy families, with engaging options that children love.

More information on Wraparound Care.

In Pre-Prep at The Downs Malvern, we follow the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 in core subjects such as English, maths, science and humanities, giving children a broad foundation of skills and knowledge. This is enriched by topic-based learning, specialist teaching in areas like music, French, drama, swimming and outdoor adventure, and regular trips and visitors that bring topics to life.

For more detail, please see our Pre-Prep day school information.

Yes. Boarding at The Downs Malvern is available from Year 3 (age 7) and can be full, weekly or flexi. Our boarding house is a real home from home, helping children grow in independence while feeling fully supported and part of a close-knit community.

At The Downs Malvern, we see parents as partners in their child’s early development and education. From daily updates and regular parent meetings to workshops, events and informal check-ins, we keep communication open throughout the nursery and Pre-Prep years. Our shared goal is to nurture happy, confident learners and ensure every child feels supported both at home and at school.

Prep School pupils at The Downs Malvern take part in a rich enrichment programme that includes Forest School, outdoor adventures, sport, music, drama, art and a wide range of clubs. Our Saturday morning Hobbies programme and hands-on experiences in the Smallholding add even more depth, helping children discover new interests, develop practical skills and build real-world confidence.

It depends on each child and family, but independent prep schools like The Downs Malvern can offer several advantages, from smaller class sizes and high levels of pastoral care to enhanced facilities, broader opportunities and more personalised teaching. We focus on developing the whole child – academically, socially and emotionally – in an environment where children are known, supported and inspired. State schools have many strengths too, but what sets us apart is the time and space we can give to each individual child.

Prep schools offer a nurturing environment focused on whole-child development. Alongside strong academic teaching, pupils enjoy music, drama, sport, outdoor learning and a wide range of enrichment activities, all within a community that values character and kindness. At The Downs Malvern, we also provide extensive wraparound care, a Saturday Hobbies programme for pupils in Year 3 and above, and a vibrant calendar of events and experiences that help prepare children for senior school and life beyond.

We get to know each child as an individual and work closely with parents to ease the transition. With warm staff, small classes and a friendly atmosphere, children quickly feel safe and settled. We take things at their pace, building confidence gradually through encouragement, routine and kindness.

Yes. In Mini Malvern Nursery and Pre-Prep at The Downs Malvern, children enjoy healthy snacks and a nutritious hot lunch, and younger pupils have rest time if needed. We support their wellbeing throughout the day, and mealtimes are a relaxed, social part of school life shared with friends and staff.