The Midlands' first Chelsea Football Club development programme.
The Chelsea Football Club Development Programme at The Downs Malvern offers boys and girls in Years 7 and 8 the opportunity to develop their football within the supportive and enriching environment at our award-winning prep school. Building upon the coaching methodology of Chelsea FC, the programme combines specialist football development with an outstanding education, helping pupils grow as players and learners.
Designed as a development programme rather than a full-time football academy, pupils remain fully immersed in every aspect of school life, benefiting from excellent teaching, exceptional pastoral care, extra-curricular opportunities and the vibrant community that defines The Downs Malvern.
At The Downs Malvern, football development forms part of a broader educational journey. The programme has been carefully designed to support pupils’ sporting ambitions while ensuring they continue to enjoy the rich and varied experiences that are fundamental to a preparatory school education.
Through specialist coaching, individual support and opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork, pupils are encouraged to build strong foundations both on and off the pitch.
Pupils accepted onto the programme will benefit from a structured programme designed to support their development both on and off the pitch. Sessions are tailored to help young players build strong technical foundations, develop confidence and gain a deeper understanding of the game, while remaining fully engaged in school life.
This partnership with Chelsea Football Club allows us to offer an exceptional football development experience from an early age.
Through our connected Prep and Senior School pathway, pupils can develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the game while benefiting from the outstanding education and pastoral support that are at the heart of a Malvern education.
The connection between the Malvern College Family of Schools and Chelsea Football Club stretches back generations.
The Mears family, founders and owners of Chelsea Football Club until the early 1980s, have strong historic links with Malvern College, with generations of the family educated at the College.
Today, that shared history forms part of a new partnership between Chelsea FC and the Malvern College Family of Schools, creating exciting opportunities for pupils across both the prep and senior schools to develop their footballing skills alongside their education.
The first step is to complete the Enquiry Form. We encourage families to speak with our Admissions Team to talk about your child’s suitability for the Chelsea Football Club programme.
Share details of your child with us by completing our Enquiry Form. You may also discuss a potential enrolment with by sending us an email registrar@thedownsmalvern.org.uk or calling us on +44 (0)1684 544 100.
Experience the magic of The Downs first hand with either a personalised tour of the campus to meet staff and pupils, or attend one of our Open Days. If you are overseas and unable to travel, we will happily arrange a video call with our Headmaster, Andy Nuttall.
Our Admissions Team will invite you to Register your child with us, which is completed online. If your child is already attending school, you will also be asked to share your child’s last two school reports and a copy of their passport.
All pupils registering with The Downs Malvern can automatically be registered (at no additional cost) with our Senior School, Malvern College. If your child is applying to join us in Year 7 or Year 8, your child will be invited to complete testing for continuation onto our Senior School, Malvern College at the appropriate time.
Your child will be invited to join us for an optional Taster Day or a Boarding Experience with us, which allows us to get to know your child better. Multiple visits are permitted to ensure The Downs Malvern is a good fit for your child.
Applicants will be assessed for selection onto the Chelsea Football Club Development Programme.
Once all elements of the admissions process have been completed, successful applicants will then be offered a place. Upon accepting an offer, applicants submit the Acceptance Form along with the required documents and payment of the Acceptance Deposit to secure a place at the school.
Waiting lists are sometimes in operation; where this is the case our team will ensure you are kept up to date with likely enrolment dates.
Talented and ambitious boys and girls in Years 7 and 8 who are committed to developing their football while thriving academically and as part of the wider school community.
Selection considers playing ability and potential alongside attitude, coachability, athletic potential and academic expectations.
Technical and tactical coaching, strength and conditioning, speed and agility, recovery, sports psychology, nutrition, leadership and resilience, individual development, match analysis and performance feedback.
No. Pupils remain fully immersed in school life. The programme is designed to complement The Downs Malvern education, not replace it.
Yes. Pupils will continue to represent The Downs Malvern in school fixtures, alongside additional development opportunities where appropriate.
Pupils can follow The Downs Malvern’s academic pathways, including the TDM Baccalaureate.
A limited number of Sports Scholarships are available at 11+. Families can also enquire about The Downs Malvern’s means-tested bursary programme.
The Chelsea Football Club Development Programme fees will be an additional £5,000 (including VAT) per year, for pupils in Years 7-8.
The relevant day or boarding fees will also apply.
