The King’s Worcester Foundation was saddened to learn of the proposed closure of Malvern St James School at the end of the current academic year.
Malvern St James has a long and distinguished history and is rightly valued for the strength of its community and its commitment to its pupils. We recognise that this announcement will come as a shock to families, pupils and staff, and that many are now facing a period of considerable uncertainty.
At times such as this, our focus is on offering calm, practical and respectful support. The King’s Worcester Foundation would like to extend a helping hand to Malvern St James families who may be exploring alternative school options for September 2026.
How we can help
Where appropriate and subject to availability, we would be pleased to:
- Discuss potential places across the King’s Worcester Foundation schools
- Offer guidance on transition points, including examination years
- Answer questions about curriculum, pastoral care and co‑curricular life
- Provide immediate tours where you can meet our Headmaster, tour our campus and meet our pupils
- Provide a confidential, individual conversation tailored to each family’s circumstances
These discussions are intended to be supportive rather than assumptive, recognising that families will be considering a range of options at what is a deeply personal and emotional time.
Meet The Heads: Saturday 25th April
Malvern St James families are warmly invited to meet our Head of Foundation, Ben Charles, and Heads of Prep Schools, Tom Butt (King’s Hawford) and Nick Hawker (King’s St Alban’s) on Saturday 25th April 9am to 11am.
We welcome families from all age groups to join us where you will have the opportunity to tour our Senior School and King’s St Alban’s Prep School, meet our leadership team and hear from our dedicated pupils.
This informal morning is designed to provide calm, supportive insight into life at King’s and to help you explore whether it could be the right fit for your child.
The morning will give you the opportunity to:
- Speak to our Headmasters about our ethos and approach to supporting pupils joining from other schools
- Learn how we support pupils through periods of transition, including short‑notice and mid‑year moves
- Discuss curriculum pathways, inc. GCSE & Sixth Form options
- Understand our pastoral care and wellbeing support
- Meet our Admissions Team for sensitive, individual conversations
- Tour the school, if you wish, and experience the King’s community first‑hand
To confirm your attendance, or to arrange a visit at a different time, please contact: admissions@ksw.org.uk or call: 01905 721742
Private Tours
In addition to our Meet The Heads Event, we are able to offer private tours across all three schools during the working week.
Getting In Touch
Malvern St James parents who would find it helpful to speak to a member of the King’s Worcester Foundation team are encouraged to contact us directly. Anna and Katie in our Admissions Team are available to talk to families, and all enquiries will be handled sensitively and in confidence.
Call: 01905 721742
Email: registrar@ksw.org.uk
Our thoughts remain with the Malvern St James community, and we wish pupils and staff every possible support in the months ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my options at King's Worcester?
The King’s Worcester Foundation is a family of three co-ed independent day schools for pupils aged 2-18, based in the heart of the West Midlands.
Our Foundation comprises:-
King’s Worcester Senior School and Sixth Form – located in the heart of Worcester City, for children age 11-18
King’s St Alban’s Prep School – is a vibrant city Prep School for children ages 2 to 11 located in the historic heart of Worcester and adjacent to its Senior School, King’s Worcester.
King’s Hawford Prep School – is a lively, outdoor-focused Prep School for ages 2 to 11, situated in stunning north Worcester countryside.
King’s Worcester Senior School is one of Worcestershire’s leading independent schools, combining the facilities and opportunities of a top boarding school with the flexibility of a day school. We offer a tight-knit and supportive community, where both pupils and staff foster lasting relationships.
With an exceptional House system providing outstanding pastoral care, a co-curricular programme featuring over 130 clubs and activities, and a sports provision ranked in the top 2% of UK schools, King’s delivers an education that goes beyond the classroom.
What options are available for transport to King's Worcester?
King’s Worcester offers a school minibus service with over 9 routes, including a Malvern, Bromyard and Tewksbury Route. The Malvern route collects children (both prep and senior school) from six convenient collection points in Malvern and the surrounding areas. Our mini bus services run in the morning and evening and all vehicles are driven by qualified and DBS-checked drivers.
We currently have spaces on our Malvern route.
King’s Worcester is also well served by the local railway network, with Worcester Foregate Street being 12 minutes from Malvern Stations.
For more information visit: Transport to King’s
What are the options for immediate transition in Year 9, 10 and Lower Sixth?
We recognise that timing is particularly important for certain year groups. For pupils currently in Years 9, 10 and Lower Sixth, we are able to offer and actively encourage immediate transitions where appropriate. This is to help minimise disruption at a critical stage in their academic journey, particularly where GCSE and A Level pathways are already underway.
How can I arrange a visit?
Families are invited to contact our Admissions Team by calling us on 01905 721415 or emailing registrar@ksw.org.uk. Anna Spencer and Katie Knott are available Monday to Friday 8:30 – 5:30pm.
We have daily private tours available and also encourage you to join us for our Meet The Heads session on Saturday 25th April (9am to 11am). If you and your family would like to join us please do email Anna or Katie.
Will I need to buy new school uniform and what options do I have?
For immediate in year starters, we operate a well-stocked second-hand uniform shop and can support with short term uniform requirements. Our Admissions Team can support with immediate requirements.
Full uniform lists are provided, and new items can be ordered online via Schoolblazer and the sports kit via the Tacklebag.
Sixth Form students are required to wear business attire, with a helpful dress code available to families.
For more information visit: King’s Worcester Uniform.
What is the admissions process?
Malvern St James families are encouraged to speak to our Admissions Team for further information about next steps.
We welcome pupils in year or at key entry points. We recognise that everyone will have different circumstances and will work with families on a 1 to 1 basis to support as best we can during this period.
How soon can my child move to King’s?
Children can join King’s at any point during the academic year. We can assist with a quick start this term or support a September entry at the beginning of the next academic year. Whatever you and your child decide, we will be here to support you every step of the way.
My child has SEN needs; how will you support them?
Additional Learning Support is included within school fees. There are no additional charges.
King’s Worcester fosters an inclusive and nurturing environment where every pupil is valued, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace. Our dedicated Learning Skills team works closely with families, teachers and pupils to ensure they receive tailored, individual support. We have a range of dedicated facilities and well-resourced rooms available throughout the Foundation and can provide pupils with Individualised Learning Plans.
What are the timings of the school day?
Pupils register at 8:30am and the school day finishes at 3:40pm. As a day school your child will have the flexibility to leave at this time. Alternatively, they can enjoy one of our many co-curricular clubs and activities.