Malvern College Welcomes a Week of Sport, Music and International Connection
As half term was in full swing, Malvern College remained a hive of activity, with an exciting programme of sport, music, and international engagement taking place across campus.
Worcester Warriors Residential Rugby Camp
The College was delighted to host the Worcester Warriors residential rugby camp for boys aged 11–14 from across the North Midlands. This marked the first residential camp offered by the Warriors since their return, making it a particularly special occasion.
More than thirty boys took part in an outstanding programme of coaching, delivered by Worcester Warriors staff alongside Malvern College coaches Jack Ashington Carter and Old Malvernian Joe Randall. Current pupil Melino F also supported the camp, providing an inspiring example to the younger players.
A standout moment came on Wednesday afternoon, when six current Worcester Warriors players visited to coach the boys—an unforgettable experience for all involved.
Off the pitch, the boys made full use of the College’s exceptional facilities, including swimming sessions to aid recovery. They stayed in one of the boarding houses and were expertly supported by the pastoral team, with particular thanks due to Maria Courtney and Annabel Hepworth. Gratitude was also extended to Luke McCluskey for his excellent organisation of the pastoral programme, which played a vital role in the camp’s success.
The camp proved to be a hugely positive experience, and it is hoped this will be the first of many future Worcester Warriors residential camps hosted at Malvern College.
Representative Rugby Success
It was also a proud week for Malvern College rugby, with several pupils representing their regions. Hugo R. and Dan E. represented Gloucester U15s against Bristol U15s, while Seb S went on to represent Gloucester U16s at the RFU U16 Festival held at Warwick University.
English Symphony Orchestra Collaboration
The College was also proud to continue its growing partnership with the English Symphony Orchestra, welcoming young musicians for a residential course delivered through ESO Youth, the orchestra’s education arm.
This inaugural residential course for beginner and intermediate players brought together around 120 young musicians for three days of intensive rehearsals. For many, it marked their first experience of orchestral playing, and they approached the opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment.
The week culminated in a concert in Big School, showcasing the collective effort and progress of the participants. The experience highlighted the transformative power of ensemble music-making, where students worked together as part of something larger than themselves—learning, supporting, and inspiring one another.
This collaboration marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and enduring partnership between Malvern College and the English Symphony Orchestra, with many future initiatives already in development.
Old Malvernian Represents Great Britain
The College community also celebrated the achievements of Old Malvernian Shinan Zhang (08–14), who represented Great Britain at the World Handball Team Championships in Mendoza, Argentina.
During her time at Malvern, Shinan was an outstanding all-round sportswoman, excelling particularly in rackets and fives, where she won national titles in both singles and doubles. She continued her sporting success beyond school, achieving multiple national titles and remaining actively involved in competitive sport.
Her selection to represent Great Britain on the world stage was a proud moment for the College.
Strengthening Global Connections
The week also included a visit from Ms Virginia Liao, Principal (Chinese) of Malvern College’s Preschools in Hong Kong. While in the UK, she visited the College to meet colleagues and explore the campus.
During her visit, she toured the College’s facilities, including the sports grounds, theatre, swimming pool, and newly renovated Music School. She was guided by Malvernian Society intern Pia Flynn-Jones, who shared her experiences of boarding life from Foundation Year through to Sixth Form.
Discussions during the visit focused on the continued growth of the Malvern College family of schools, including plans for the relocation of The Downs Malvern in 2027. Ms Liao’s visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships and share ideas for future collaboration.