The Midlands' first Chelsea Football Club development programme.
Designed for ambitious boys and girls aged 13-18, the Chelsea Football Club Development Programme at Malvern College combines an outstanding independent school education with a specialised football development pathway.
Rather than separating academic study from sporting ambition, the programme integrates the two, allowing pupils to pursue their passion for football while benefiting from the exceptional teaching, pastoral care, co-curricular opportunities and boarding experience for which Malvern is renowned. Delivered through the coaching methodology of Chelsea Football Club, the programme provides enhanced football development within the wider context of a full and enriching school experience.
At Malvern College, football development sits alongside the full experience of an outstanding independent education. Pupils receive high-quality football coaching and performance support while remaining fully immersed in academic, pastoral, co-curricular and boarding life.
Pupils accepted onto the programme will benefit from a comprehensive weekly development schedule designed to support technical, physical and personal growth.
Many young athletes feel they must choose between sporting ambitions and educational success.
At Malvern College, we believe they can achieve both.
Unlike traditional football academies, pupils remain fully integrated within school life while benefiting from enhanced football development opportunities. They continue to represent the College in fixtures and competitions while accessing specialist coaching and performance support.
Young people should never have to compromise between an exceptional education and pursuing their sporting ambitions.
Through our partnership with Chelsea Football Club, we are able to offer a world-class football development programme that sits alongside the breadth, balance and opportunities of a Malvern College education.
The connection between Malvern College and Chelsea Football Club stretches back generations.
The Mears family, founders and owners of Chelsea FC until the early 1980s, share historic links with Malvern College, with many family members educated at the College. Today, that shared history inspires a new partnership focused on developing the next generation of young footballers.
This selective programme is designed for:
Selection considers playing ability and potential, alongside attitude, coachability, athletic potential and academic commitment.
The first step is to complete the Enquiry Form. We encourage families to speak with our Admissions Team to talk about your child’s suitability for the Chelsea Football Club programme and make an appointment to visit the school so they can experience Malvern College first-hand.
Share details of your child with us by completing our Enquiry Form, sending us an email admissions@malverncollege.org.uk or calling us on +44 (0)1684 581 515.
Experience the magic of Malvern first hand with either a personalised tour of the campus to meet staff, our coaching team and pupils, or attend one of our Open Mornings.
Pupils considering 13+ entry will be invited to attend a range of activity days and events during Year 6, 7 and 8. Hosted by our academic and co-curricular staff, these events allow children to get to know us in a more informal setting.
Following the initial enquiry, prospective pupils need to complete a Registration Form and provide a Registration Fee payment. We request copies of a pupil’s two most recent school reports so that we can ensure that Malvern College is a place where they will thrive.
13+ and 14+
A reference and current standardised testing scores will be requested from your child’s current school.
16+
A reference and predicted GCSE grades will be requested from your child’s current school. We will also arrange separate standardised online testing, which is usually carried out remotely.
Successful applicants will be assessed for selection onto the Chelsea Football Club Development Programme.
All 14+ and 16+ applicants are invited for an interview, which can be in person or online.
Younger pupils who are applying for 13+ entry may be interviewed, depending on their application date. However, we prefer to meet our 13+ applicants on a more informal basis (usually as part of their visit).
Once all elements of the admissions process have been completed, successful applicants will then be offered a place. Waiting lists are sometimes in operation; where this is the case the Admissions Team will do all that they can to support families with up-to-date information on the likelihood of future enrolment.
Talented and ambitious boys and girls aged 13–18 who are committed to developing their football while thriving academically and as part of the wider Malvern community.
Selection considers playing ability and potential alongside attitude, coachability, athletic potential and academic expectations.
Technical and tactical coaching, strength and conditioning, speed and agility, recovery, sports psychology, nutrition, leadership and resilience, individual development, match analysis and performance feedback.
No. Pupils remain fully immersed in school life. The programme is designed to complement the Malvern education, not replace it.
Yes. Pupils will continue to represent Malvern College in school fixtures, alongside additional development opportunities where appropriate.
Pupils can follow Malvern’s academic pathways, including GCSEs, A levels, BTEC and the International Baccalaureate.
A limited number of Sports Scholarships are available at 13+ and 16+. Families can also enquire about Malvern College’s means-tested bursary programme.
The Chelsea Football Club Development Programme fees will be an additional £7,000 (including VAT) per year, for pupils in Years 9–13.
The relevant day or boarding fees will also apply.
