Who Gets Accepted to Malvern College
Malvern College operates as a traditional British boarding school with a contemporary approach. While it maintains selective admissions, the school welcomes international students into its community. Each year, around 200 pupils successfully join, with roughly 75% choosing full boarding. Most newcomers arrive either in Year 9 or at the start of Sixth Form (Year 12), though Years 10 and 11 occasionally see new admissions as well.
How the Admission Process Works
Getting into Malvern College means entering a competitive selection process, which is why families typically submit applications three years in advance. The procedure involves several interviews—including face-to-face conversations—alongside entrance examinations. Year 9 candidates sit general assessments, while Sixth Form applicants take tests in their chosen A-level or IB subjects. These exams happen in November, a full year before enrollment begins. Common Entrance requires at least 50%, though recent cohorts averaged 65%. To help families make informed decisions, the school arranges regular visits and offers taster days.
Sixth Form Entry
Applicants to Sixth Form need to submit records from their previous schools and meet minimum GCSE standards. The school expects no more than three grade 5s, with everything else achieving at least grade 6. Subjects that pupils plan to continue at A-level or IB must reach 6 or above—though mathematics has stricter thresholds. Standard maths requires grade 7 for A-level and grade 8 for IB Higher Level, reflecting the program’s demands.
International Student Admission
Students from over 45 countries study at Malvern College, with no single nationality dominating the campus. International applicants usually apply through registered agents, submitting recent school reports along with their registration forms. The school takes a flexible approach to entrance testing, allowing candidates to sit examinations at certified centers in their home countries. Before acceptance, however, prospective students must either visit campus in person or complete an interview via Skype.
Scholarships
Malvern College awards scholarships at both 13+ and 16+ entry points across academic, dramatic, design, musical, and sporting disciplines. There’s also a general arts scholarship available. Candidates demonstrate their abilities through specialized assessments designed for each category. Beyond these merit-based awards, families can apply for financial assistance by submitting a confidential means-tested application, which the school reviews on an individual basis.
