Jay Watts

In his eleven years at Malvern College, Jay Watts has transformed Outdoor Pursuits (OP) into an award-winning programme that captures the very essence of a Malvern education – developing EQ + IQ + CQ through challenge, collaboration and curiosity.

With qualifications in Outdoor Adventure, Leisure and Tourism, Jay’s passion for the outdoors began when he realised that his greatest learning and character development happened beyond the classroom. His early career took him from the mountains of New Zealand to the care homes of London, where he used outdoor experiences to help young people rediscover confidence and purpose. That belief; that the outdoors builds resilience, empathy and leadership – continues to drive everything he does at Malvern.

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Malvern’s landscape is the perfect training ground. Pupils climb, cycle, kayak and hike across the Malvern Hills and beyond; testing limits, building friendships and learning the power of teamwork. Under Jay’s leadership, OP has expanded to include iconic challenges including the Malvern to Paris Expedition (cycling, canoeing and paddleboarding across the English Channel, the only school ever to do so), Alps2Malvern, and Race the Sun, raising thousands for charity along the way.

Outdoor Pursuits at Malvern is more than adventure – it’s character in action. It’s where pupils learn to lead with empathy, adapt with courage and celebrate the joy of discovery. It’s education for life in every sense.