Malvern College has been shortlisted among the best schools in the country for its programme of pupil enrichment, which takes pupil development beyond the classroom.
The school is in the running for a prestigious Tes Schools Award – widely regarded as the most prestigious awards in the education sector.
Malvern has been nominated for Excellence in Pupil Enrichment. In the last academic year, the school has embedded a protected 30-minute Enrichment period into every pupil’s daily timetable which includes things like life skills, academic extension, or one-to-one tutoring or pastoral care.
This is in addition to the school’s wider enrichment programme, which includes over 180 opportunities spanning sport, music, drama, environmental action, digital leadership, community partnerships and international service.
Keith Metcalfe, Malvern College Headmaster, said: “We are delighted to be nominated for this nationally recognised award. We know that independent schools are expected to offer extensive co-curricular provision, but our ambition goes further, using our enrichment programme to help shape our pupils’ character.”
“Participation in core programmes is universal. A daily protected Enrichment period ensures every pupil benefits from structured reflection and development, which is something universities are increasingly taking into account, with offers secured on the strength of music leadership, debating, sport, coaching and sustained charity engagement alongside academic excellence.
“Enrichment at Malvern does not exist to decorate academic success. It exists to ensure that when pupils leave, they do so not only with knowledge, but with the emotional intelligence, cultural awareness and resilience to use it wisely.”
Since 2009, the Tes Schools Awards have celebrated the achievements of school staff and institutions across the UK. Free to enter, they bring together state and independent schools from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in one inclusive national event, recognising excellence across the education sector.
The awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding work taking place across schools, celebrating the individuals and teams making a meaningful impact on pupils, staff and their wider communities.
The shortlist was selected by a panel of expert judges, including experienced school leaders and education specialists. This year’s awards feature 23 categories spanning all areas of school life, from leadership and teaching to pupil outcomes and wellbeing.
Rod Williams, CEO of Tes, commented: “This year’s shortlist showcases the exceptional standard of entries across the Tes Schools Awards, reflecting the breadth of impact being delivered in UK education. Each category highlights schools and individuals who are not only driving meaningful change within their own settings, but also setting a benchmark for the wider sector. The Tes Schools Awards are designed to recognise and elevate this work, celebrating those making a measurable difference to pupils, staff and communities across the UK – and with a record number of nominations received this year, it clearly reinforces the strength and impact being delivered across the UK education sector.”
This year’s awards will be hosted by award-winning comedian, writer and presenter Katherine Ryan, with winners announced at a gala ceremony on 19 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
