NEWS | The Downs Malvern win small independent school of the year

An ambitious outdoor programme featuring a smallholding, award-winning gardens, a farming club, market garden and a fruit-tree planting scheme has seen a Worcestershire school named Small Independent School of the Year.

The Downs Malvern (TDM) scooped the prestigious accolade at a ceremony in London this week, beating competition from schools across the UK.

The school was also lauded for its unique TDM Baccalaureate for years 7 and 8, which is aimed at combining academic excellence with life skills for children aged 10-13.

This latest award, as part of the industry-renowned Independent Schools of the Year Awards, comes after the school also won Best Wildlife Garden at the RHS Spring Show and picked up a national award for Best Eco Initiative.

Judges were impressed by success across all areas, from academic achievements to securing third place in the National Hockey finals, setting national athletics records, and even advancing through auditions for a BBC drama.

Headteacher Mr Andy Nuttall, who has spearheaded a number of innovative initiatives at the school both across academic development and essential life skills, said today he was thrilled

The Downs Malvern community had been nationally recognised for excellence.

“On announcing The Downs Malvern as the winning school, the judges recognised the school’s strengths in supporting children’s individualised learning, the connection with the environment and the strong sense of community. It is gratifying for the whole school community to receive this level of external recognition which reflects the committed hard work of the staff, the support of the parents and the children’s positive and purposeful approach to their learning. The school is very much on a journey of development and progress and this award represents a significant watershed in our quest to keep improving and to give the children the very best educational experience.”

“One advantage of our size is our ability to respond swiftly to pupils’ needs and interests, exemplified by our popular smallholding which enhances pupils’ understanding of agriculture and sustainability with quail, chickens, pigs, sheep, and guinea fowl.”

Mr Nuttall, who has a background in Zoology, has channelled his passion for the outdoors to expand opportunities for pupils at the school which had strengthened their confidence, resilience, leadership skills and love of learning.

“Despite our small size our successes are notable in the largest of arenas which is testament to how our pupils benefit from an education tailored to their skills. This is a community which is based on the core values of respect, responsibility and resilience and our aim is that all children should leave as confident, self-motivated individuals who relish a challenge.”

The school this year has also secured funding from the Malvern Hills National Landscape which was used to plant 26 fruit trees and create a Forest School Shelter for lessons and activities.

Mr Nuttall said that he was very proud of all of his staff and TDM families who had embraced and fully supported a number of projects which were ambitious and exciting for a small school.

“I hope our success will prove inspiring to other schools to show what can be achieved when we work together and create those opportunities that allow everyone to have a voice, get involved and see what a significant impact they can have on themselves and their communities.”