If we decide to send our child to Malvern College Preparatory School, are there conditions of entry and will he/she have to sit assessment tests?

There are no formal requirements for entry and, following discussions with the Headmaster, parents will know if 'the feel' of the school and what is offered will meet their requirements. From time to time, new pupils will be asked to sit assessment papers to aid setting and streaming. If required, these take place in an informal setting to avoid any feelings of anxiety.

When children join us in Year 7 or 8 (ages 11 or 12), their parents will obviously want to discuss transfer to Malvern College at age 13. We try to make this as 'seamless' as possible. The normal requirement for Malvern College is that pupils sit the Common Entrance examinations and these take place during the summer term of Year 8.



What subjects will my child study?

The strength of our curriculum and the expertise of the teaching staff have all contributed to the success of the school and the reputation we have as a centre of excellence.

We offer a broad curriculum that is enhanced as pupils progress through the school. In addition to the core and foundation subjects accepted as part of the National Curriculum, all pupils are taught French from Year 1, ICT, drama and PSHE and citizenship.

In Years 7 and 8 pupils, visit the Technology Centre at Malvern College for design and technology.
They will also have the opportunity to begin Latin in Year 6 (age 10) and a second modern language either German or Spanish in Year 7.


With such a broad curriculum, how can I be sure that high standards are maintained in the basics?

We recognise the importance of firm foundations and in the junior forms time is set aside each day for reading, handwriting and other essential skills. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in this process particularly with reading at home and learning preps.


When will my child receive 'specialist teaching'?

The younger pupils in Years 3 - 5 (ages 7 - 9) are based in mixed-ability forms and are taught a range of subjects by their Form Teacher in their form room.

'Specialist' teachers teach games, languages and music to all pupils.

By Year 6, the pupils are sufficiently confident to move around the school to be taught in different locations and are taught by 'specialist' teachers for all subjects.


What size are your forms and when are the children split into ability groups for different subjects?

We aim to keep class sizes small. If groups in the junior part of the Prep School reach a maximum number, pupils will either be split into two forms or streamed for the core subjects. As pupils move into Years 7 and 8, they are split automatically into sets and streams in order that pupils can receive the differentiated curriculum they require at this stage.


How often are parents’ meetings held?

Staff are happy to meet with parents whenever they have a concern and regular contact is welcomed. Many parents pop in to chat with Form Teachers each week, particularly when pupils are new to the school. In addition, there is a meeting for each Form each year. The Headmaster is very accessible and the Director of Studies is always available to discuss any academic concerns.


My child has been identified as having a specific learning difficulty and will need 'specialist' teaching? Is this possible and how is this organised?

Many children showing signs of a specific difficulty have the capability to do well academically. Support is available for pupils who experience specific learning difficulties and is taught by specialist teaching staff.


My child is very excited by the prospect of 'proper science'. What should he/she expect?

Pupils at Malvern College Preparatory School really enjoy science, particularly the opportunity to work in one of the specially equipped labs. We aim to follow the National Curriculum guidelines for pupils in Years 1 to 6 and pupils will experience a healthy mixture of fieldwork, investigations and practical activities in the lab.

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 work in the senior lab and science is then split into the three subject areas of chemistry, biology and physics. Standards are high and many pupils progress to scholarship level. All pupils in Year 8 will sit the Common Entrance examinations in chemistry, biology and physics.


My child is currently in the maintained sector. I have some concerns that he/she will need to 'catch up'.

This is a common concern, particularly as some timetabled subjects may be unfamiliar. All new pupils will be carefully monitored, particularly in the initial stages until they gain confidence. Extra help and support is always available if a pupil feels anxious.