Malvern St James Girls’ School A GSG School
- Malvern St James Girls’ School
15 Avenue Road
Great Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 3BA - Head: Dr Gareth Lloyd
- T 01684 892288
- F 01684 566204
- E msjadmissions@malvernstjames.co.uk
- W www.malvernstjames.co.uk/
- A mainstream independent school for girls aged from 3 to 18.
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Worcestershire
- Pupils: 272; sixth formers: 73
- Religion: Christian
- Fees: Day: £9,402 - £24,267; Boarding: £26,976 – £49,698 pa (last updated on 12/08/2024)
- Open days: October (whole school open morning), March (working open morning) - additional dates found on their website.
- Review: View The Good Schools Guide Review
What The Good Schools Guide says..
Less polished than some of its bigger competitors but that’s the whole point, with the smaller, pastorally driven character of the school suiting its pupils down to the ground. Prep based in the heart of the school, with bright and welcoming classrooms; girls also benefit from senior facilities for eg art and DT, food and nutrition and science. SEN provision has always been good, now ‘transformational’, say parents. All pupils are expected to do at least two activities or clubs per week up to sixth form. No cracking of whip required from…
What the school says...
Malvern St James is a leading independent school for girls aged 3-18 in the beautiful Malvern Hills, distinguished by its unwavering commitment to recognising and actively nurturing the unique talents, interests and passions of each student. The school embraces a liberating and inclusive ethos that sets it apart from others, encapsulated in its inspiring motto, ‘Empowering Girls, Empowering Futures’. This guiding principle not only reflects the school's dedication to fostering individual growth but also highlights its focus on developing confident, capable young women ready to excel in an ever-changing world.
At MSJ, there is no singular ‘type’ of girl. Each student is encouraged to explore her interests and passions, allowing her to flourish academically, socially, and personally. The school consistently achieves excellent academic results at both GCSE and A level, demonstrating its effectiveness in delivering high-quality education. However, MSJ is not merely a results-driven institution; it cultivates a culture of inclusion and respect, where every student feels valued and empowered to pursue her goals. Whether a girl is passionate about horse riding, engineering, politics, environmental studies or climbing, she will find the support she needs to thrive. This dedication to individualised learning is a testament to MSJ’s ethos of ambition and achievement, ensuring that every girl can reach her full potential.
A key feature of MSJ is its balanced mix of day girls and boarders, which creates a vibrant and diverse community. The school offers the best of both worlds, complemented by a flexible boarding program tailored to modern family needs. With options for full, weekly and flexi boarding, MSJ accommodates the varied lifestyles of its families, ensuring that students can access all the resources and support the school has to offer. This flexibility allows girls to thrive in a nurturing environment, forming lasting friendships and connections that extend beyond the classroom.
Located in Great Malvern, in the heart of England, MSJ benefits from excellent transport links and access to cultural opportunities throughout the UK. The school is conveniently situated near major cities such as Birmingham (under one hour), Oxford (one hour), and London (two hours). This location not only allows for easy commutes but also provides students with opportunities to engage in enriching extracurricular activities, cultural experiences and educational visits. Additionally, the school offers a chaperone service from Great Malvern directly to London, ensuring that weekly or full boarders can travel accompanied by MSJ staff, enhancing their safety and comfort.
MSJ’s commitment to personal development is further exemplified through a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs. The school encourages girls to engage in various pursuits, from sports and performing arts to STEM initiatives and community service. This holistic approach ensures that students develop not only academically but also socially and emotionally, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Ultimately, Malvern St James stands out as a beacon of excellence in girls’ education. With its focus on empowerment, inclusivity and individual growth, the school prepares its students to become confident, capable leaders of tomorrow. ...Read more
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Other features
All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.
Sports
Unusual sports
Equestrian centre or equestrian team - school has own equestrian centre or an equestrian team.
Rowing
Fencing
Sailing
What The Good Schools Guide says
Head
Since January 2024, Gareth Lloyd BA PGCE MSc PhD FMusTCL, previously head of Cambridge Stoke College in Suffolk and three other schools before that, both here and overseas. Born and bred in south Wales, he has studied at four British universities where his academic disciplines include modern languages, philosophy and music: he is an accomplished pianist, violinist and composer; his Requiem for the Fallen of 9/11 will premier in New York in 2026. If that weren't enough, he is also a committed sportsman and survivor of several ultra-marathons at national level. This first male head of MSJ states his commitment to girls-only education where no subject is genderised.
Head of prep since 2021 is Belle Bedford, who joined the school as a classroom teacher. Popular with parents. ‘A cross between...
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Overall school performance (for comparison or review only)
Results by exam and subject
Subject results
Entry/Exit
Special Education Needs
There is an established process, as detailed in the school SEND policy, of identification and provision for those with special educational needs, and a system of continuous assessment thereafter. Assessments for access arrangements for examinations are carried out each year for those with a history of need in the relevant subject areas. This support is delivered by a SENDCO in the Senior School, a SENDCO in the Prep Department, as well as a team of three part-time specialist teachers. There is also a Head of EAL and two part-time EAL specialists who support our learners of English as an additional language. The added support is reflected in the excellent grades these pupils achieve at both GCSE and A Level.
| Condition | Provision for in school |
|---|---|
| ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Might cover/be referred to as;
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), PDA , Social skills, Sensory processing disorder |
Y |
| HI - Hearing Impairment
Might cover/be referred to as;
Hearing Impairment, HI - Hearing Impairment |
Y |
| MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
Learning needs, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty |
|
| MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment
Might cover/be referred to as;
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment, Sensory processing |
|
| OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability
Might cover/be referred to as;
Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic , OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, Tics, Tourettes |
Y |
| PD - Physical Disability
Might cover/be referred to as;
PD - Physical Disability |
Y |
| PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty |
|
| SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Might cover/be referred to as;
Anxiety , Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Trauma |
Y |
| SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication
Might cover/be referred to as;
DLD - Developmental Language Disorder, Selective mutism, SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication |
|
| SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
Complex needs, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, Cerebral Palsy (CP) |
|
| SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Auditory Processing, DCD, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting, Other specific learning difficulty, SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) |
Y |
| VI - Visual Impairment
Might cover/be referred to as;
Special facilities for Visually Impaired, VI - Visual Impairment |
Y |
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