Today, 25th January 2025, we proudly mark the 160th anniversary of Malvern College, a momentous milestone in our history. Founded in 1865 with just twenty-four boys and six assistant masters, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The Malvern College: A 150th Anniversary Portrait book captures the vivid memories of a founding pupil:
“I remember the 25th January very well. I was eleven years old and going to a real public school – enough to impress any boy’s memory. The only house finished was McDowall’s (No.1) and about fourteen of us assembled there. It had snowed all night, and in the morning was about two feet deep, drifted against the bank in places five and six feet. We cut our way up with improvised shovels and finally got to the Coll. where we found two boys who were in lodgings with Mr Drew, and about ten day boys. We were roughly examined and classed – I was in the Upper Fourth under Mr. McDowall – and were then given a half holiday, which I spent with a few more, wallowing in the snow.”
From these humble beginnings, Malvern College has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent schools, renowned for its progressive approach, innovation, and commitment to offering a life-changing education. Today, we proudly educate boys and girls aged 0-18 and provide a warm, ‘home away from home’ boarding experience.
Achievements and Recognition
Our dedication to excellence continues to be recognised. Over the past year alone, Malvern College has earned accolades and nominations from the Tatler Schools Guide Awards, Independent School of the Year Awards, Talk Education Awards, and Muddy Stilettos Awards. Notably, our inaugural Green Giving Day, which launched Malvern’s ambitious pledge to achieve a carbon neutral campus by 2050, garnered three national awards.
Share Your Malvern Memories
This year, we are inviting our alumni and staff to celebrate the rich tapestry of Malvern’s history by sharing your stories and memories. Whether they’re long or short, inspirational or reflective, your contributions are invaluable. Help us capture the essence of Malvern College through 160 memories, one for each year of our history.
We also welcome photographs to accompany your stories. All submissions will become part of the College’s archives, and we’ll feature as many as possible on the Malvernian Society website, social media, emails, and more throughout our 160th year. Contributions should be sent to [email protected].
Honouring Our Notable Alumni
Old Malvernians have left an indelible mark on the world. Among our distinguished alumni are:
- C.S. Lewis (SH.13-14), celebrated author of The Chronicles of Narnia
- Dominic Sandbrook (1.88-93), historian and broadcaster
- Nobel Prize winners Francis Aston (2.1891-93) and James Meade (8.21-26)
- Olympian Rose Harvey (6.08-10)
- Acclaimed author C.L. Taylor (EOG.84-91)
- Actor Jim Murray (8.88-93)
- Oliver Selfridge (6.39-40), pioneer of modern artificial intelligence
- Earthshot Prize winner Talal Hasan (2.95-00)
- Professor Sir Chris Whitty (3.79-84), Chief Medical Officer for England
And these are just a few examples of the countless Old Malvernian role models who continue to inspire us.
Celebrating Together
This year, we’ll reflect on key milestones in Malvern College’s history and host an exciting programme of events for our global community. Highlights include:
- Commemoration in March, to include global alumni gatherings this year
- House Reunions and ‘Class of’ Reunions
- Professional Networking evenings
- The OM Club Dinner
- Alumni sports fixtures and more
Wherever you are in the world, we hope you will join us in celebrating this incredible milestone. Together, let’s honour 160 years of Malvern College and continue shaping the legacy of this remarkable school.
Malvern College: A Timeline
- Malvern College was opened on 25th January 1865 under the headship of Rev. Arthur Faber
- The school grew rapidly, from 64 boys in 1866 to 190 by 1870 and 300 by 1880
- The 1890s saw the addition of a further four Houses – No.6 (now No.5), No.7, No.8 and No.9 – as well as the Chapel
- The Malvernian Society was formed in 1895
- In 1939 the College was requisitioned by the government for premises for the Admiralty and moves to Blenheim Palace from 1939 – 1940
- The College was evacuated again in 1942, by order of Sir Winston Churchill, to make way for the government’s Telecommunications and Research Establishment and is housed with Harrow School
- From 1946, Malvern College continued to build new facilities adding a new Design & Technology building
- 1962 sees the first use of Cwm Llwch
- The College played a significant role in the development of a series of educational projects, and in 1963, was the first independent school to have a language laboratory. It pioneered Nuffield Physics in the 1960s. In 1992, the College was one of the first schools in Britain to offer the International Baccalaureate as an alternative to A levels in the Sixth Form
- The College’s centenary in 1965 was celebrated with a visit from Her majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and the recently retired Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan
- Malvern College became a co-educational school in 1992 when Malvern College, Ellerslie Girls’ School and Hillstone Preparatory School were brought together
- In 2007 the new Carson Centre provided additional classrooms
- In 2008, Malvern College Preparatory School was amalgamated with The Downs School to form The Downs Malvern
- In 2009 two brand new boarding houses (No.7 and Ellerslie) were opened
- The new Sports Complex was opened in 2009. A year later, in November 2010, the newly refurbished rackets courts were opened
- Malvern College opened its first overseas school, Malvern College Qingdao, in September 2012, with Malvern College Chengdu opening in September 2015. Malvern College Egypt opened in 2016, closely followed by Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong in 2017 and Malvern College Hong Kong in 2018. Malvern College Tokyo opened in September 2023.
- In 2015, the College opened a newly reconfigured and refurbished Science Centre, and in 2016, a water-based artificial hockey pitch was built to further enhance the sports provision
- In September 2018 the extensive redevelopment of the Rogers Theatre was complete and was the start of the focus on providing outstanding facilities across the arts
- 2019 becomes an All-Steinway School through the generous support of an Old Malvernian, providing best in class grand and upright pianos across the school
- In 2024 the College released an ambitious 10-Year Masterplan, with a pledge to become a carbon-neutral campus by 2050
- 2025 marks 160 years since the opening of Malvern College on 25th January 1865
Many thanks for your email to remind me that Malvern College may now celebrate its 160th anniversary! My Great-Grandfather Revd William Herbert SEDDON (1866/1-1870) and my Great-Uncles Revd Richard Toller SEDDON (1866/1-1870) & Thomas Rowley SEDDON (1866/1-1870) were Day Boys and were amongst the 64 boys at Malvern in 1866 which you mention above. It must have been quite a journey for them to come all the way from Evesbatch In Herefordshire, where their father Revd Richard Seddon was the Rector to the College every day. Did they travel by horse or pony & trap? Incidentally my Great Grandfather later married the wealthy heiress Frances Isobel PERRINS, my Great Grandmother, who was sister to Charles William Dyson PERRINS, who was an important benefactor of the College and a member of the College Council. I could send you copies of our photo of my Great Grandparents in 1917 and of my Great Grandmother with her brother and my Great Uncle Dyson in ? 1950s if you would like to see them. He also founded the Dyson Perrins Church of England High School in Malvern.
Will there be a 160th Anniversary Service in Malvern Priory later this year?