The Elms School, Malvern
The Elms School is an independent school for pupils aged 3 to 13 in Malvern. It is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted; its most recent ISI inspection was a non-routine inspection in March 2025.
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
The Elms School in detail
The Elms School in its own words
In its own words: "Our values and ethos run deep, shaping every aspect of life at The Elms. We nurture a culture of kindness, and a can-do attitude, helping children embrace challenges with confidence and a sense of adventure. Guided by these principles, every pupil is supported to flourish and become the very best version of themselves."
From the headteacher's welcome: "The Elms is a school like no other. Since 1614, it has nestled into the western slopes of the Malvern Hills. I believe something magical happens to a child’s education in this idyllic setting. Children enjoy countless opportunities to engage with the outdoors."
Clubs and activities named on the school's website include swimming and drama.
Coming up: an open day on Saturday 6 February 2027. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.
All school open days in Herefordshire, County of
Vision and values (school website)Headteacher's welcome (school website)Clubs (school website)Open days on the school's site (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other independent schools to The Elms School are The Downs, Malvern College Prep School (1 mile); Abbey College in Malvern (1.4 miles); Malvern College (2.7 miles); and Malvern St James (3.3 miles).
The Downs, Malvern College Prep SchoolAbbey College in MalvernMalvern CollegeMalvern St James
Who goes there
In 2026, 35 pupils (22.4%) received SEN support and 6 (3.8%) had an education, health and care plan.
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Colwall Rail Station, about 900 metres away (roughly a 11-minute walk).
2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Mill Lane (opposite), 200 metres away.
Sources: DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport)
Key Information
DfE GIASISI Inspection Reports
Independent schools in England are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), not Ofsted.
Non-Routine Inspection
21 March 2025
Routine Inspection
1 October 2024
Short Visit
30 June 2022
Educational Quality / Focused Compliance
2 November 2021
Regulatory Compliance
26 April 2017
Short Visit
9 March 2016
Integrated
16 June 2015
Fees for 2026/27
Day fees, per year
£11,520 to £29,670
depending on year group
Boarding fees, per year
£33,900 to £40,830
| Reception* Day per term | £11,520 a year |
| Year 1 Day per term | £13,725 a year |
| Year 2 Day per term | £15,270 a year |
| Year 3 Day per term | £19,275 a year |
| Year 4 Day per term | £22,710 a year |
| Year 3 & 4 Full boarding per term | £33,900 a year |
| Year 5 & 6 Day per term | £27,375 a year |
| Year 5 & 6 Full boarding per term | £38,535 a year |
| Year 7 & 8 Day per term | £29,670 a year |
| Year 7 & 8 Full boarding per term | £40,830 a year |
Including VAT. From the school's own fee schedule; check with the school before you rely on it.
Private school fees in Herefordshire, County of - 4 schools' published fees side by side
At a Glance
No
Boarding
Yes
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 1 nearby independent school
Keep up with The Elms School
Getting There
Train Stations
Bus Stops
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025.
The typical figure for schools in Herefordshire, County of is 2 (the median across 115 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
80%
Available places
156 pupils
195 places
39 spare places
as recorded on GIAS
Area Demand Pressure - Malvern
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Malvern
Across Herefordshire, County of council
Places available
1,920
Applications
1,685
Got 1st preference
91.9%
Got preferred school
98.2%
All secondary applications across Herefordshire, County of council (2026/27), not just this school.
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
35
SEN Support
6
EHC Plans
26.3%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Pupils by Need Type
No need-level breakdown available
Pupil Demographics
Key Indicators
156
Total Pupils
93
Boys
63
Girls
2026 academic year
Questions parents ask about The Elms School
When was The Elms School last inspected?
The Elms School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted. Its most recent ISI inspection was a non-routine inspection in March 2025.
How many pupils go to The Elms School?
The Elms School has around 156 pupils on roll.
How do I apply to The Elms School?
The Elms School is an independent school and runs its own admissions rather than going through the local authority. Contact the school directly for entry requirements, assessment dates, fees and any bursaries.
How many road collisions happen near The Elms School?
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025. The typical figure for schools in Herefordshire, County of is 2 (the median across 115 schools, same distance and years).
Where is The Elms School?
The Elms School is at Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6EF.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)