A Malvern school has been named Small Independent School of the Year.

The Downs Malvern (TDM) scooped the prestigious accolade at a ceremony in London this week, beating competition from schools across the UK.

The school was praised for its ambitious outdoor programme which features a smallholding, award-winning gardens, a farming club, a market garden, and a fruit-tree planting scheme.

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It was also lauded for its TDM Baccalaureate for years seven and eight, aimed at combining academic excellence with life skills for children aged 10 to 13.

This latest award, part of the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, follows the school's previous wins of Best Wildlife Garden at the RHS Spring Show and a national award for Best Eco Initiative.

Judges were impressed by the school's success across all areas, with pupils progressing to the final rounds of the school's maths challenge, achieving third place in the National Hockey finals, setting national athletics records, and advancing through auditions for a BBC drama.

Headteacher Andy Nuttall said: "On announcing The Downs Malvern as the winning school, the judges recognised the school’s strengths in supporting children’s individualised learning, the connection with the environment, and the strong sense of community.

"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.

"Despite our small size, our successes are notable in the largest of arenas which is a testament to how our pupils benefit from an education tailored to their skills."

Mr Nuttall has channelled his passion for the outdoors, drawing on his background in zoology, to expand opportunities for pupils at the school.

He added: "I hope our success will prove inspiring to other schools to show what can be achieved when we work together and create those opportunities that allow everyone to have a voice, get involved and see what a significant impact they can have on themselves and their communities."