A Herefordshire school has been awarded a prestigious title, thanks to its array of outdoor initiatives.

The Downs Malvern, based in Colwall, Herefordshire, has been named the Small Independent School of the Year, thanks to its outdoor programme, which includes a smallholding, award-winning gardens, a farming club, a market garden and a fruit-tree planting scheme.

The school picked up the accolade at a ceremony in London last week, having competed with schools from across the UK.

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 Royal Horticultural Society Spring Show and picked up a national award for Best Eco Initiative.

Judges of the competition said they were impressed with all areas across the school, including pupils auditioning for a BBC drama, and setting national athletic records.

Headteacher Mr Andy Nuttall said that he was very proud of all of his staff and the families who had embraced and fully supported a number of projects.

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“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.

"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.”

“One advantage of our size is our ability to respond swiftly to pupils' needs and interests, exemplified by our popular smallholding which enhances pupils' understanding of agriculture and sustainability with quail, chickens, pigs, sheep, and guinea fowl.”

Mr Nuttall, who has a background in zoology, channelled his passion for the outdoors to expand opportunities for pupils at the school. Mr Nuttall added he hoped the recognition would inspire other schools to see what a significant impact they can have on themselves and their communities.