Co-curricular Activities

Our Co-curriculum sits at the heart of life at Malvern College, offering every pupil the chance to explore passions, build character and grow beyond the classroom.

One of the essential pillars of life here at Malvern College, our Co-curriculum includes art, music, drama, sport, outdoor education, DofE, CCF, and a wide range of other activities, and works in collaboration with academics and the super-curriculum.

The number of Co-curricular activities taking place every week at Malvern College tops 200, and this covers a very broad range: in addition to our core programmes, we offer service and charitable partnerships, yoga, mountaineering, coding, performing arts, debating and everything in between. As one of the leading independent boarding schools for performing arts, we’ve worked hard to ensure there is something for everyone here.

Some pupils discover a love of partnership work – this could be with local schools, or it could be globally focused, such as the OSCAR Foundation – while others take on entrepreneurial, adventurous, or creative challenges.

Not only do we offer these opportunities, but we ensure we have the expertise and facilities to accommodate them. If you want to try mountain biking, where better to stretch your legs than on the Malvern Hills. Piano? We are an All-Steinway School. Fashion design? Our Faculty of Art & Design is one of the best in the country. And of course, sitting at the heart of the campus, the Malvern College cricket pitch is legendary among all Malvernians.

National recognition for pupil enrichment

Malvern College has been shortlisted for Excellence in Pupil Enrichment at the prestigious Tes Schools Awards. The recognition reflects its innovative approach, including a daily 30-minute Enrichment period for all pupils and over 180 co-curricular opportunities. The programme is designed to build character, resilience, and wider life skills alongside academic success, ensuring pupils leave not only with strong results but also the personal qualities increasingly valued by universities.

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“Every young person is unique and therefore finding their individual pathway to success is an important part of their education. I believe that the co-curriculum programme at Malvern College delivers an open-minded learning environment for each and every pupil.”

Justin Major : Director of Co-Curricular and Character

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Co-Curriculum Booklet
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A bespoke approach

The structure of our Co-curricular activity programme is bespoke for every pupil, so they have a balance of activities that can nurture their creative, active and service lives. We believe that offering this flexible approach to Co-curricular opportunities allows us to give pupils a wonderful opportunity to further expand their learning by working in collaboration with their academic studies. 

girls in the theatre green room getting ready for their performance
Three young individuals in military uniform are participating in an outdoor team exercise. They are carrying a large wooden log together on their shoulders, displaying teamwork and determination. The setting hints at a training ground, showcasing the co-curricular activities that build their strength and unity.
musical performance including instruments such as flutes
A group of eight people in red jackets are sitting in kayaks on a calm lake surrounded by mountains. The kayaks are arranged in a line, creating a peaceful and scenic outdoor setting with reflections on the water's surface, making it an ideal co-curricular activity to connect with nature.
boy climbing on our on-site indoor climbing wall
gaze at the stars and explore the universe at our observatory
Malvern College pupils mountain biking on the Malvern Hills. Photography by Max Nutbeem.
group dance lessons in our studio
acting in les miserables on our theatre stage
Close up of Libby holding a microphone

FAQs about the Co-curricular

How are co-curricular activities structured alongside academic life?

Activities are scheduled to complement academic timetables. Pupils have the flexibility to choose options that align with their interests while maintaining focus on their studies.

Are pupils required to take part in co-curricular activities?

While not every activity is mandatory, all pupils are encouraged to take part in multiple co-curricular programmes as part of a balanced, holistic education. All pupils will take part in some form of Service, whether through CCF, or other charitable initiatives.

What are the most popular co-curricular activities at Malvern?

Away from sport which will be core to all pupil’s experience at Malvern, the most popular co-curricular activities range from the performing arts with a particularly popular provision of theatre and drama through to a thriving Outdoor Education programme which is known for its audacious expeditions and challenges on a national level.

Do co-curricular activities support university or career pathways?

Yes. Many activities help build leadership, confidence, and transferable skills valued by universities. There is an emphasis on character development running through all the co-curricular provision ranging from sport through Duke of Edinburgh, CCF, public speaking, performance arts. Such experiences and skills are particularly beneficial on personal statements and UCAS applications.

Learning more about the Sixth Form

How does Malvern College support individual pupil interests in co-curriculars?

The co-curriculum provision is broad and varied, with an aim to enabling pupils to achieve a balanced and holisitic programme. A pupil’s programme might be tailored to their individual preferences and interests whilst also taking into account their overall character development. Whether academic, artistic, or athletic, staff help students explore their passions and develop new skills in a supportive environment.

The Outdoors
Sport
The Arts