Malvern St James Girls’ School
Malvern St James Girls’ School (MSJ) is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 4-18 in Malvern, England, offering exceptional academic, sport, music, drama and equestrian provision.
With approximately 400 girls in the School, MSJ is large enough to offer a broad curriculum and over 100 co-curricular activities, and small enough that every girl is known. Class sizes are small and the school has a very strong reputation for excellent pastoral care and wellbeing support.
At Malvern St James, everything is totally geared for girls; there are no barriers. In a single-sex environment, there is no gender stereotyping, and subjects that have traditionally been dominated by boys, are not seen as off limits to girls but are embraced.
The Good Schools Guide describes MSJ as "… continuing to carve out a niche for itself as being at the forefront of thinking on girls' education... The school feels driven and full of girls who are going to change the world."
Teaching & Learning
MSJ is recognised as one of the leading independent schools in the region for A Level and GCSE exam results with superb value-added attainment. At A Level 50% of Sixth Form pupils move on to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related degree courses at top universities, including Oxbridge, Imperial, Warwick, Bristol and UCL.
In 2021 90% of grades awarded at A Level were A* - B and 74% of grades awarded at GCSE were 9 – 7.
Intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, considered risk-taking and collaboration are all encouraged and universities and employers value these attributes.
MSJ teachers are innovative and passionate about their work and constantly evolve new ways to inspire learning. Girls know that they will be pushed and stretched. Equally they know they will be encouraged and supported. With their teachers’ guidance, they learn that with their own hard work, motivation and resilience everything is possible.
Co-Curricular
The enrichment programme is varied with something for everyone from clubs for budding engineers and scientists, extra-curricular languages, drama, music, Leiths, photography, sport of every kind, Young Enterprise, debating and Model United Nations to name a few.
MSJ ensures a balance is struck between co-curricular and academic activities, and between developing existing interests and talents and encouraging girls to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities. From horse-riding to Model United Nations, there is something available for everyone.
Through our co-curricular programme, pupils are also supported in understanding what it means to be a leader through a range of hands on leadership-based experiences and opportunities. From Form Captains, to Digital Leaders, Subject Ambassadors to eco-champions, Prep Prefects to the Head Girl Team, there are a range of roles and mentoring for all.
Boarding
Boarding is at the heart of MSJ with five Boarding Houses dedicated to caring for specific age groups, with boarding available from age 7 (Year 3) onwards. The School offers a range of Boarding options to suit your needs be that Flexi, Weekly or Full Boarding.
The experienced boarding team promote caring, friendly and supportive relationships in an inclusive and friendly family setting. Girls are encouraged to become resilient and independent by problem solving and gaining responsibilities as they progress through each of the boarding houses. Once in Sixth Form Boarding, independence is key, giving girls the skills they will need for university in a safe and secure environment with staff to support them pastorally and academically.
Located in the heart of England, at the foot of the picturesque Malvern Hills, the School has excellent transport links giving easy access to the rest of the country. Great Malvern Station is located opposite the School with direct trains to London and Birmingham and connections to the South West and Wales. For international students Birmingham and London airports are within easy reach by taxi.
Wellbeing
Every girl is supported by our Pastoral Team in building essential life skills, whilst our Health Centre offers 24-hour care. Girls enjoy friendships across age-groups and are incredibly supportive of each other and go out of their way to make newcomers feel welcome.
As a thriving, multicultural, multi-faith community, MSJ upholds an ethos of mutual respect and acceptance for the beliefs of every member of the community. The Chapel and Muslim Prayer Room are available to girls for private prayer or collective worship.
MSJ takes great pride in the quality of food served in the modern dining room, where Boarders, Day Girls and Staff eat together at breakfast, lunch and supper. Specific dietary needs are incorporated seamlessly, allowing those with allergies or bespoke diets to eat comfortably alongside their peers without emphasis on their requirements.
Application Process
We understand choosing the right school for your daughter is an important decision. Our experienced Admissions Team, led by Mrs Georgina Hanford Head of Admissions, will support you and your daughter throughout the admissions process. We are here to help answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.
The admissions journey usually begins with a visit to School. If you are in the UK we would be delighted to welcome you into School. Alternatively you can join one of our Virtual Open Events which take place throughout the year, or we can set up online meetings tailored to you and your daughter.
Formal Registration is the next step, the registration fee is payable at this stage. Registration provisionally reserves a place for your daughter at Malvern St James and allows her to sit our Entrance Examinations.
Following completion of Registration, your daughter will be invited to sit our Entrance Exams. Entry to Malvern St James is based on the potential your daughter demonstrates in our assessments and a satisfactory confidential report, addressing both academic and pastoral matters from your daughter’s present school. Applicants are also interviewed by a senior member of staff, either in person or online.
For more information about Malvern St James Girls’ School please contact Mrs Georgina Hanford, Head of Admissions:
Email: admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1684 584625
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15 Avenue Road
Great Malvern WR14 3BA
Worcestershire, UK