About Our Prep School
(Years 3-8)

With superb facilities and specialist teachers, our dynamic curriculum places pupils at its heart, fostering confidence and independence for success in senior school and beyond.

Every child matters, and it is our goal to bring out the very best in each and every one of our Prep School family.

Inspiration and breadth form the core of our Prep School curriculum as we introduce children to new and exciting subjects and explore familiar ones in far greater depth.

Superb facilities, boundless opportunities.

From Year 3, all children experience specialist teaching in science, art, DT, and music, delivered in modern classrooms and workshops, including a suite of three well-equipped science laboratories. Drama productions, art exhibitions, musical concerts, and a huge assortment of clubs and activities all contribute to a well-rounded education. It is also a time when competitive sport is introduced, with opportunities to represent the school regionally and nationally in athletics, hockey, cricket, netball, swimming, and many more.

Cultivating Confidence, Empowering Independence.

As their Prep School journey develops, children become increasingly independent before being introduced, in Year 7, to the TDM Baccalaureate. Structured around our seven ‘Skills to Thrive’, the Baccalaureate has been carefully designed to provide a broad, high-quality education whilst also ensuring that children join senior school in Year 9 with a self-motivated approach to learning, equipped with a surefooted confidence that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Unashamedly Ambitious.

We work tirelessly to support the needs of our pupils and have a robust track record of helping them achieve 13+ scholarships to a number of high-quality schools throughout the UK. However, regardless of their chosen path, our staff are committed to achieving the very best outcomes for each and every child, as we nurture them through these formative years.

The Downs Malvern Baccalaureate

FAQs

Why consider a Prep School?

Prep schools offer a rich and varied education that goes beyond the standard curriculum. They provide smaller class sizes, specialist teachers, and co-curricular opportunities that help children grow in confidence, independence and curiosity. Many prep schools also prepare children for the transition to senior school, both academically and socially, but their role starts much earlier, supporting every stage of development from Reception to Year 8.

What is the difference between a Prep School and a Primary School?

The main difference lies in structure and scope. Prep Schools are independent (private) and often educate children up to age 13, while most state primary schools continue to age 11. Prep Schools also offer a broader curriculum, specialist teachers, smaller class sizes, and a wide variety of enrichment such as outdoor learning, music, drama and sports, experiences that many families would find difficult to accommodate outside of school hours.

Is Prep the same as Reception?

No. Reception is the first year of formal schooling (age 4 to 5) and is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Prep School generally refers to the broader phase from around age 7 to 13. At The Downs Malvern, we divide this into Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2) and Prep (Years 3 to 8), offering a seamless journey for children aged 4 to 13.

What age do children go to Prep School?

Children usually join the Prep School phase around age 7 (Year 3), although many start earlier in Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2) to benefit from the nurturing and engaging early years environment. At The Downs Malvern, families can also choose to begin their journey in our on-site nursery, Mini Malvern, from 6 months old.

What comes after Prep School?

After Prep School, pupils typically move on to independent senior schools at around age 13, including both day and boarding options. At The Downs Malvern, most pupils progress to leading senior schools such as Malvern College, supported by strong academic preparation and pastoral guidance throughout Years 7 and 8.

Academic
The Arts
Sport