The Elms Colwall, Malvern, WR13 6EF, Worcestershire 01684 540344

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School type	Co-educational Day & Boarding Preparatory & Nursery
Founded	1614
Headmaster	Mr Ed Lyddon
Co-ed Age Range	3-13 years
Number of pupils	150
Day fees per annum	£3,680 - £9,485 per annum (incl. VAT)
Boarding fees per annum	£10,840 - £13,055 per annum (incl. VAT)
Nursery	£114 - £285 per week (incl. VAT)
Average Class Size	10-15
Teacher/Pupil ratio	1:8
Associations	IAPS, ISC

Nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, The Elms School is a co-educational day and boarding prep school for children aged 3 to 13. Founded in 1614, The Elms is one of the oldest prep schools in the country, with over four centuries of tradition, yet alive with energy and innovation. Today, it remains a family school where values shape character, childhood is preserved, and every pupil is inspired to become the very best version of themselves.

The setting is remarkable: a rural idyll where pupils learn not only within classrooms but also in fields, farmyards, and woodlands. The school's working farm is integral to its ethos, offering children the opportunity to care for livestock such as Shropshire sheep, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, pygmy goats, and cattle. Outdoor learning is woven into the fabric of school life – whether through den-building, riding, whittling sticks, or studying nature in the school's woods and streams.

Academic achievement is equally central. Small class sizes and a dedicated team of teachers mean that every child is known, nurtured, and challenged. A broad and stimulating curriculum, enriched by music, drama, art, and sport, ensures that children develop passions beyond the core subjects. Many Elms pupils go on to gain scholarships – academic, musical, artistic, and sporting – to leading senior schools such as Radley, Eton, Marlborough, and Cheltenham, to name but a few.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of The Elms. The school prides itself on its family ethos, where every child is valued as an individual, and supported through their formative years. The school's values of endeavour, perseverance, and compassion are reflected in every aspect of school life. Staff work closely with parents to ensure that each child feels secure, understood, and able to flourish.

Boarding at The Elms adds another layer of richness to school life. Boarding pupils benefit not only from the setting – the farm, the outdoors, the Malvern Hills – but also from the friendships and independence that come from living within a close-knit community. Children grow in confidence and resilience, while the boarding staff provide the comfort and guidance of an extended family.

The Elms has long been a school of choice for military families. The flexible boarding provision means children can thrive in a stable environment even when parents are deployed or moving between bases. The warmth of the boarding house provides a wonderful "second home" for children. Many staff have military connections, and the Headmaster and Head of Admissions themselves went to boarding school as children of service personnel. Staff are experienced in supporting the particular needs of service families, offering continuity, stability, and a genuine understanding of the challenges that military life can bring.

Co-curricular opportunities abound. Sport is played daily, with passion and pride. The school's popular riding programme is open to all, from beginners to competitors at national level, and weekend hacks across the countryside are a highlight. The performing and creative arts flourish, too: productions, concerts, art exhibitions, and clubs showcase the talents of every child.

Entrepreneurship and business skills are introduced early through the farm. Pupils are involved in the economics of producing eggs, pork, lamb, and beef, learning about profit and loss, sustainability, and the value of hard work. These lessons develop leadership and initiative, preparing pupils not only for senior school but also for life beyond.

The Headmaster, Mr Ed Lyddon, leads with a vision rooted in preserving the magic of childhood while equipping pupils to flourish academically, socially, and personally. The Elms is, above all, a place where children are encouraged to explore, to grow, and to discover who they are – set against the backdrop of one of England's most beautiful landscapes.

For military families and for all families, The Elms provides not only an outstanding education but also an idyllic, safe, nurturing home where children can enjoy a proper childhood, build character, and prepare for happy and successful futures.

Come and see for yourselves how your child could flourish in this happiest of schools.