Farewell and welcome: Malvern’s Boarding Houses

Ness Young, who has led Ellerslie House for five years, reflects on a journey that began during the height of the pandemic:

“It was quite a start, delivering meals to all the girls on trays to their rooms! The particular high points for me in House have included watching the incredible performances given by the girls on stage whether part of music, drama or dance. I am certainly going to miss fun times in House and chatting with the girls in the evenings.”

Ness now steps into the role of Director of Pastoral Welfare, where she will lead the wellbeing of pupils across the College.

After 11 years at the helm of No.2, Justin Major (8.86-91) is moving to become Director of Co-curricular and Character from September.

“The boys in House have provided me with more moments of laughter and fun than I could have imagined possible and it has been a genuine privilege to have played a part in the development of so many wonderful people. Jen and I are hugely grateful to the House 2 community for what it has given us all over the years and our two girls will miss not having 60 brothers in the house, as well as the ability to go through and take cookies from the dining room!”

Damian Marshman, HouseM of No.7, steps down after six years of dedicated service to focus on his mathematics teaching.

“I am deeply grateful to all the boys who passed through No.7 during these years – you made the job endlessly rewarding and often highly entertaining. What I will miss most are the small, everyday moments: the noise, the humour, the energy, and above all, the kindness that has defined the house throughout my time. No.7 has a long and proud history, and I feel fortunate to have played a small part in its ongoing story.”

He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and resilience, especially during the challenges of the Covid years.

Finally, Mark Hardinges (1.91-96) concludes a decade as HouseM of School House, describing this time as “an absolute joy.”

“To have had the opportunity to support, guide, and positively impact the lives of pupils in this way is, in my view, the greatest role any schoolmaster could hope for. I step away from Housemaster duties with immense pride in what the House team and I achieved together.”

Mark now takes on the role of Director of Sport, building on his leadership in cricket to shape the future of sport at Malvern.

Ben Phillips, Deputy Director of Sport at Malvern College and incoming HouseM of School House, is eager to honour the House’s rich legacy:

“It is a privilege to take on a role with such history and significance, and I’m most looking forward to building strong relationships with the boys and helping to shape a positive, supportive, and ambitious house culture.”

Lee Hilton, leaves his role as Director of Sport at the College to become HouseM of No.7.

“It means a great deal to me and my family – especially to our son Tom (1.22-24), who is a proud OM himself… I’m most looking forward to building strong, lasting relationships with the boys and their families. I hope to continue the fine traditions that already exist within the House, while embracing exciting opportunities and future developments to ensure No.7 remains vibrant, forward-looking, and relevant in today’s world.”

Rupert Needham, the new HouseM of No.2, is fulfilling a long-held ambition:

“I love the hustle and bustle of boarding life and being right at the heart of the school.  I am looking forwards to meeting all “my” boys in September, helping them through their highs and lows, as well as pushing them to do their best.  I am excited to be taking over “the best house in the school” (in my opinion) and look forwards to helping it retain that status for many years to come!”