What is the Gifted and Talented Programme?

To see the programme as simply an accelerated or advanced study would be too narrow. At Malvern, we believe education is never just the transfer of knowledge — it’s about the discovery of potential and the nurturing of individual talent.

Beginning this academic year, Malvern has formally launched a Gifted and Talented Programme for pupils from Prep 5 through to Upper Sixth (U6), alongside the establishment of the Wheeler Bennet Centre (WBC) as its central hub. This represents not only an enhancement of our academic framework, but also the opening of a multidimensional pathway for students who combine natural ability with diligence to pursue excellence.

The programme’s vision is to transform potential into genuine achievement. It blends the spirit of the Oxford and Cambridge tutorial system, with its emphasis on deep thinking and independent research, with the innovative energy of Silicon Valley, encouraging openness, creativity and the courage to push boundaries. Within this framework, students will develop through academic inquiry, practical learning, and competitive challenges, while also building confidence and resilience in personal growth and leadership. As Jake Laville explains: “Talent requires structured study, practical experience, mentorship and self-motivation before it can truly become ability and achievement. For example, a child gifted in mathematics can only reach world-class standards through exposure to advanced courses, international competitions and the sustained guidance of mentors.”

With the creation of the Wheeler Bennet Centre, the programme is fully integrated into the fabric of daily school life. Each selected student receives a personalised development plan and has year-round one-to-one guidance with the programme lead, supported by a network of internal and external mentors. This structure ensures pupils find the correct balance between academic progress and personal development, allowing their potential to flourish steadily and sustainably.

On a global scale, pupils will have opportunities to participate in international academic research projects and top-tier competitions such as Johns Hopkins CTY and Tournament of Minds, while also accessing world-class university resources including MOOCs. In parallel, winter and summer schools, along with a wide range of practical, cross-disciplinary activities, will provide further opportunities to broaden horizons while nurturing leadership, creativity and real-world skills.

The pursuit of excellence often brings greater expectations and pressures. For this reason, the Gifted and Talented Programme places equal emphasis on character development, emotional wellbeing and pastoral care. The aim is to ensure that while students stretch themselves to reach new heights, they also remain balanced, resilient and compassionate — ready to become future leaders of both intellect and integrity.