About Malvern St James School
Malvern St James School is an independent day and boarding school in Great Malvern, Worcestershire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Malvern St James School is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #474 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 50%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Malvern St James School
Malvern St James School Admissions Criteria
Malvern St James School is an independent day and boarding school in Great Malvern, Worcestershire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Malvern St James School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Malvern St James School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Malvern St James School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about her interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether her child has been offered a place at Malvern St James School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Malvern St James School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Malvern St James School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Malvern St James School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Malvern St James School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Malvern St James School
Step 1 — Attend an Open Event at Malvern St James
Attend an Open Event at Malvern St James or arrange a Personal Visit
Step 2 — Meet with the Head, Dr Gareth Lloyd, to discuss your
Meet with the Head, Dr Gareth Lloyd, to discuss your daughter's education
Step 3 — Complete the Formal Registration form
Complete the Formal Registration form and pay the registration fee at this stage
Step 4 — Registration provisionally reserves your daughter's place
Registration provisionally reserves your daughter's place and allows her to sit the Entrance Examinations
Step 5 — Attend a Taster Day at the school
Attend a Taster Day at the school (encouraged for all applicants)
Step 6 — Your daughter sits the 11+ Entrance Examination
Your daughter sits the 11+ Entrance Examination
Step 7 — The school requests a reference from her current school
The school requests a reference from her current school
Step 8 — On acceptance of a place, pay the deposit to secure her
On acceptance of a place, pay the deposit to secure her place at Malvern St James
Independent Subjects Tested at Malvern St James School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Malvern St James School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available to families requiring financial support.
Outcome announced: Scholarships awarded across academic and co-curricular categories
Additional notes: Malvern St James is an independent day and boarding school in Worcestershire. Fees are held for the 2026/27 academic year.
Independent Practice Papers for Malvern St James School
Malvern St James School uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Malvern St James School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Malvern St James School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Malvern St James achieves excellent academic results without being an ‘exam factory’, with a small-school, individually tailored approach across GCSE, A-Level and the EPQ.
- GCSE: a broad curriculum with strong individual progress in small classes.
- A-Level: strong results and superb value-added, with a notable record in the Extended Project Qualification.
- Progression: pupils progress to a wide range of universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Malvern St James School
Malvern St James is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to day families from across Worcestershire and the surrounding counties, and to full, weekly and flexi boarders from the UK and overseas, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits in Great Malvern beneath the Malvern Hills, opposite the railway station (direct trains to Birmingham and London); main entry points are at 11+, 13+ and the Sixth Form, with entry to the Prep at most ages.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1893 as Malvern Girls’ College and renamed Malvern St James in 2006 following a merger with St James’s School, MSJ is an independent day and boarding school (ages 3–18) in Great Malvern, Worcestershire. Historically a girls’ school, it became co-educational in September 2025, welcoming boys while keeping its long heritage of championing girls’ education; it is an all-faiths school known for a ‘home from home’ atmosphere, small classes and individually tailored pastoral care.
Its enrichment programme is wide-ranging — from engineering and STEM clubs to equestrian, drama, music, Young Enterprise, debating and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malvern St James School
How do I get into Malvern St James School?
To gain entry to Malvern St James School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does Malvern St James School use?
Malvern St James School sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at Malvern St James School?
Malvern St James School uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Malvern St James School?
Yes. Malvern St James School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Malvern St James School?
Most independent schools including Malvern St James School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Malvern St James School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Malvern St James School. No registration required.
When is the Malvern St James School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Malvern St James School is See school website for current year deadlines. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Malvern St James School 11+ results announced?
At Malvern St James School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.