About
Oswestry School, founded in 1407 by David and Guinevere Holbache, is one of the oldest non-denominational schools in England. Located on the edge of the market town of Oswestry in Shropshire, near the England-Wales border, the school offers education for pupils aged 4 to 18. Set within 50 acres of picturesque grounds, it provides a blend of historical charm and modern facilities.
Founded 1614
About
The Elms School, founded in 1614 by Humphrey Walwyn, is one of the oldest preparatory schools in the United Kingdom. Located in Colwall, Worcestershire, at the foot of the Malvern Hills, the school spans 40 acres of stunning countryside. The Elms provides education for children aged 3 to 13, offering both boarding and flexible boarding options.
Founded in 1614
With over 400 years of history, The Elms School has a proud heritage of academic and personal development. It combines a strong sense of tradition with a modern approach to education, fostering curiosity and resilience in its students.
Campus and Facilities
The school’s campus includes modern classrooms, an equestrian center, a sports hall, and outdoor pitches. It also boasts extensive grounds for outdoor learning and activities, providing an ideal environment for children to grow and explore.
Academic Excellence
The Elms School follows a broad and balanced curriculum designed to prepare students for leading senior schools. It emphasizes small class sizes, personalized attention, and fostering a love for learning. Graduates of The Elms often go on to top independent schools in the UK.
Holistic Development
The school offers a rich co-curricular program that includes sports, music, drama, and art. One of its standout features is the equestrian program, allowing students to engage with horseback riding on-site. Additionally, outdoor education is a key part of life at The Elms, encouraging children to develop independence and a connection with nature.
Eve’s Visit
Visited in Nov 2024
The Elms School, located in the countryside of Colwall near Malvern, offers a unique blend of tradition and nature-focused education. Situated about 2.5 hours by train from London and 2 hours by car from Heathrow Airport, the school’s rural location adds to its charm but may pose travel challenges for those unfamiliar with the area.
Highlights from the Visit:
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School Farm: One of the standout features of The Elms School is its on-site farm, which includes horses, pigs, cows, chickens, and sheep. The farm provides a hands-on learning environment and is particularly appealing to students with an interest in animals and outdoor activities.
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Boarding Facilities: The school has a small boarding community, with around 20 full-time boarders. The boarding facilities reflect traditional British boarding environments from decades ago. While cozy, the rooms are relatively basic, with limited storage space and older designs. Some rooms are divided into smaller spaces to accommodate fewer students, but the layout is unconventional, with rooms connecting to one another rather than having separate hallways.
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Prep School Environment: As a preparatory school, The Elms focuses on children aged 3 to 13. It prepares students for entry into leading senior schools across the UK. With a total student population of around 167, the school offers a close-knit and nurturing atmosphere.
Insights and Recommendations:
- The Elms is an excellent choice for families seeking an authentic British preparatory school experience in a rural setting. Its emphasis on nature and animal care through the school farm makes it particularly unique.
- For international families considering boarding, it’s worth noting that the boarding environment is small and may not have the modern amenities or storage spaces found in larger, newer schools. Families should carefully evaluate if this setup aligns with their expectations.
- The school is ideal for families looking to integrate more deeply into British culture, especially those planning to settle in the UK.
- The small class sizes and personal attention provided by the school foster strong relationships and a supportive learning environment.
Boarding
The Elms offers boarding options for children from Year 3 upwards. Boarding houses provide a cozy, family-like environment, with flexible options to suit the needs of modern families. Weekend activities and a strong sense of camaraderie make boarding life enjoyable and enriching for students.
Facts
Total Students
Boarders
School Fees
£3,500 – £8,200
Eduation Programmes
Pre-prep, Prep
Address
The Elms School
Colwall
Malvern, Worcestershire
WR13 6EF
United Kingdom