The Downs Malvern

Independent prep school The Downs Malvern in Worcestershire is leaving its “idyllic” site in in a bid to “protect its future”, the Malvern Gazette has reported.

The move will be to the site of its senior school, Malvern College in Great Malvern.

The Downs Malvern caters to almost 200 pupils aged six months to 13 years.

Headmaster Andy Nuttall said: “There have been various headwinds over the last few years, with the cost of living, national insurance increases and VAT. We’re looking at how we can mitigate those headwinds and look to the future to maintain this amazing education for the children.”

Nuttall said the addition of VAT has not led to the loss of any pupils, but more parents have asked about bursaries.

“The mid-year instigation of that has had an impact, in terms of more requests for bursarial support.

“The sad thing is that it’s going to limit our ability to widen access to the school.”

“We are hoping to realise efficiencies by just operating the one site and part of the rationale is we can pass those efficiencies on to the parents by controlling the fees.”

Keith Metcalfe, headmaster of the Malvern College family of schools, said: “We are determined that The Downs Malvern will not suffer the same fate as other small schools in the sector. Indeed, we believe this is a time to be bold, enhancing the educational offer.”

The move will take place from September 2027, with existing space at Malvern College being made available for the prep school pupils.