AN INDEPENDENT school in Malvern has scooped a prestigious national award for excellent education and delivery of extracurricular activities.
The Downs Malvern (TDM) was crowned Small Independent School of the Year at a ceremony in London, beating competition from educational establishments across the UK.
TDM’s ambitious outdoor programme featuring a smallholding, award-winning gardens, a farming club, market garden and a fruit-tree planting scheme helped bolster its chances of award success.
The school, who educates children from six months to 13-years-old, was also lauded for its unique TDM Baccalaureate for years 7 and 8, which is aimed at combining academic excellence with life skills for children aged 10-13.
This latest award, as part of the industry-renowned Independent Schools of the Year Awards, comes after the school also won Best Wildlife Garden at the RHS Spring Show and picked up a national award for Best Eco Initiative.
Judges were impressed by success across all areas, from academic achievements to securing third place in the National Hockey finals, setting national athletics records, and even advancing through auditions for a BBC drama.
Headteacher Mr Andy Nuttall, who has spearheaded a number of innovative initiatives at the school both across academic development and essential life skills, said today he was thrilled The Downs Malvern community had been nationally recognised for excellence.
He said: “It is gratifying for the whole school community to receive this level of external recognition which reflects the committed hard work of the staff, the support of the parents and the children’s positive and purposeful approach to their learning.
“The school is very much on a journey of development and progress and this award represents a significant watershed in our quest to keep improving and to give the children the very best educational experience.”
Mr Nuttall, who has a background in Zoology, has channelled his passion for the outdoors to expand opportunities for pupils at the school which had strengthened their confidence, resilience, leadership skills and love of learning.
The school this year has also secured funding from the Malvern Hills National Landscape which was used to plant 26 fruit trees and create a Forest School Shelter for lessons and activities.
Mr Nuttall said that was very proud of all of his staff and TDM families who had embraced and fully supported a number of projects which were ambitious and exciting for a small school.
