Service is central to who we are at Malvern College. In a globally diverse community, emotional intelligence (EQ) and cultural intelligence (CQ) shape how our pupils learn, lead, and connect with the world around them.
Our piece in the Absolutely Education Summer 2025 edition explores this in more depth – read the full article below.
Why Service Matters at Malvern College
At Malvern College, service is not simply an extracurricular offering; it is a defining element of our educational ethos. As a full boarding school and home-away-from-home for pupils aged 13 to 18, we provide a supportive environment where young people can explore, commit to, and grow through service at a pivotal stage in their development. Our diverse community includes pupils from around the world and many from services families. This global perspective enriches every aspect of our community engagement, giving our service programmes added depth and resonance.
From the moment they reach Remove (Year 10), every Malvern pupil participates in either the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) or the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), with many undertaking both for a real breadth of challenge and experience. The DofE programme, led by Jay Watts, Head of Outdoor Education, includes both Silver and Gold awards and offers opportunities for physical challenge, community volunteering, and personal growth through expedition-based learning.
The CCF at Malvern provides a structured, skills-based environment encompassing the Army, RAF, and Royal Marines sections. This programme supports character development through leadership tasks, outdoor training, and teamwork. Among recent achievements are the introduction of flight simulator technology for RAF cadets, laser rifle training on the neighbouring Nine Acres grounds, and a Bronze Award at the 2025 Cambrian Patrol. For two consecutive years, a Malvern CCF pupil has also held the prestigious title of Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire’s cadet.
These experiences offer lasting value. Pupils build confidence, develop initiative, and learn to lead and support one another; qualities that serve them well in further education and future careers. The transferable skills gained through these programmes often distinguish Malvern students when applying to universities, apprenticeships, and work placements. Parents frequently speak to the transformative impact of these opportunities, recognising their role in shaping mature, capable young adults.
Beyond DofE and CCF, Malvern’s broader culture of service is embedded in weekly routines. Each Wednesday afternoon is dedicated to partnerships and volunteering, all of which are entirely pupil-led schemes. Pupils assist in local schools, lead digital safety initiatives, and bring music and performance into care homes. They also engage in long-standing international partnerships, such as the OSCAR Foundation in Mumbai and sustainable farming initiatives in Peru.
Charity work is a vibrant part of house life, with fundraising events supporting causes ranging from Cancer Research UK and Mind to the Malvern Hills Foodbank. These initiatives often stem from personal connections and reflect the genuine compassion within our student body.
Recognising the scope of this work, the school is appointing a Head of Community Partnerships and Service to coordinate and further develop these opportunities. This ensures every pupil can contribute meaningfully, regardless of background.
Service at Malvern is not just something our pupils do – it is part of who they become.
Read the full article in the Autumn 2025 edition of Absolutely Education!
