We are very proud of our traditional full boarding ethos at Malvern College centred around our 11 Houses: six boys’ Houses and five girls’ Houses. All are located around the perimeter of the campus.


Our House system is strong and central to all we do: pupils learn to take responsibility for others and often make friends they will keep for the rest of their lives. We eat all our meals in individual Houses, and this brings pupils, staff and visitors together several times a day, making it possible for strong pastoral links to be made and maintained.

"Pupils' commitment to their community manifests itself in their respect for one another." ISI Inspection Report 2017.

All our Houses are run on the same principles and ethos, although each will have its own distinctive character. Pupils become fiercely loyal to their House and are proud to represent their House in the many competitions and tournaments that take place each term.

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Each House has a dedicated and experienced team of resident and non-resident House Staff, led by the Housemaster or Housemistress, who live in the House with their family.

Each House has a close-knit, family community made up of boarding and day pupils across all year groups. Our Buddy system and Peer Mentors in each House encourage all pupils to quickly make new friends and integrate into House life whilst providing support and care to anyone who may be experiencing homesickness.

Malvern College offers three different boarding and day options. A summary of these options is below, for full detail please see our  Information Guide.

Full Boarding at Malvern College – our Responsive Approach

We are very proud of our traditional full boarding ethos at Malvern College; however, we recognise the need to be responsive in our approach and to support families with special requests for leaves of absence. Nights away from school should be the exception and not the norm. However, there may be occasions where there are valid reasons for parents requesting nights at home for boarding pupils.

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Day Boarding at Malvern College – our Fully Integrated Model

Our day boarding option was introduced for pupils joining the Foundation Year in September 2020. The Day boarding option includes up to three specified nights of boarding per week. Each additional night boarding is charged at a reduced rate per night. Our day boarding pupils are fully integrated into the Houses and all pupils play a full and important part of life at the College, which helps create a thriving and inclusive community.

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Day boarding pupils and parents have access to an extended day where pupils can join the House from 7.30am and stay until 9.30pm and include three specified boarding nights.

Day Pupils at Malvern College – our Extended Day Model

Day pupils are very welcome at Malvern College and have access to many of the same benefits as our full boarders.

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Our day and boarding pupils are fully integrated into the Houses and day pupils play a full and important part of life at the College, which helps create a thriving and inclusive community. Day pupils and parents have access to an extended day where day pupils can join the House from 7.30am and stay until 9.30pm.

Our day fee includes a maximum of 15 nights boarding per academic year. Additional boarding nights can also be booked at a charge per night.

House allocation is confirmed by the beginning of the summer term prior to the September entry into the school. House allocation is designed to ensure the best mix and balance of pupils across all Houses and is determined by the Admissions Team with the Head of Lower School or Head of Sixth Form.

We ask that prospective families and their child visit more than one house and we ask that parents express a preference of at least three Houses. We do not guarantee a place in the first-choice House preference, but we will follow these as best we can where space and a good balance allows.

Siblings and Old Malvernians will be given first choice House preference where there is a clear link with a House, where possible.