The Chase School Review 2026: Seventh Form Through Sixth Form Excellence in Malvern

Lord Cobham officially opened The Chase in 1955, marking the beginning of over 70 years of education in Malvern. Today, the comprehensive academy serves approximately 1,300 students across Years 7 to 13, with just under 300 in the sixth form. The school recently achieved significant recognition, ranking third among Worcestershire's state secondaries, and the sixth form earned a separate Outstanding rating in the 2021 Ofsted inspection. With an Attainment 8 score of 50.8 and Progress 8 of +0.08, The Chase sits in the middle 35% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking: 1,338th nationally), demonstrating solid academic foundations alongside its standing as one of Worcestershire's larger secondary schools.

The Chase occupies a spacious campus in Barnards Green, a suburb of Malvern adjacent to the Malvern Hills Science Park and QinetiQ, creating natural links to the local technology sector. The school's four pillars — Aspiration, Respect, Resilience, and Adaptability — frame daily life. Under the leadership of Headteacher Mike Fieldhouse, who took the position in 2017, the school has continued a trajectory of sustained improvement from its earlier Requires Improvement rating in 2014.

Physical infrastructure has developed considerably. The school library opened in September 2006 and was officially opened by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy in February 2007. A dedicated science block opened in 2008 and was formally inaugurated in 2009. Most notably, in 2014, local MP Harriett Baldwin officially opened a new £1 million humanities block, featuring seven classrooms. These investments reflect institutional commitment to providing modern learning environments. Drama and dance studios, together with a Sports Hall, Main Hall, and Lecture Theatre, support performing arts and gatherings across the campus.

The atmosphere is purposeful but inclusive. Teachers maintain high expectations while supporting students with tailored guidance. Behaviour during visits appears calm and structured. The school explicitly recognises diverse backgrounds, with 17% of pupils eligible for free school meals, indicating a community reflective of broader socioeconomic variation. Students describe their teachers as approachable and genuinely invested in their progress.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, the school reported an Attainment 8 score of 50.8, which is slightly above the England average of 45.9. This indicates solid GCSE outcomes overall. At GCSE, 21% of pupils achieved grades 5 and above in the English Baccalaureate qualifications, placing the school in line with England average performance for this metric (England average EBacc APS: 4.08; school score: 4.55, which is above average).

The school ranks 1,338th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks first among schools in the Malvern area, reflecting its status as a leading comprehensive for the wider community.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form achieved distinct recognition. In A-level outcomes, 5% of students attained A*, 20% achieved A, and 29% achieved B grades. Combined, 55% of A-level entries reached A*-B, which sits in line with England average (avg A*-B: 47%). The school's A-level ranking of 960th in England (FindMySchool data) places it in the middle 35% of sixth forms nationally, with local rank 4th among Malvern providers, demonstrating strong sixth form provision.

Notably, the Sixth Form achieved an Outstanding Ofsted rating separately from the main school's Good judgment in 2021, reflecting distinct strength in post-16 education.

University Progression

In the 2023-24 cohort, 35% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, while 41% entered employment and 5% began apprenticeships. This pattern reflects the school's balance between academic and vocational pathways. One student secured an Oxbridge place in the measurement period, with seven total Oxbridge applications recorded.

The curriculum is well-planned and inclusive, with teachers described as having strong subject knowledge and clear expectations. The school operates as a Language College, offering French, Spanish, and Japanese (German is no longer examined). It maintains Technology College specialism status, granted in 1999 and refreshed through subsequent designations. The school was awarded Beacon school status in 2002, recognising innovation in practice.

The school prioritises both breadth and specialism. At GCSE, students choose from a wide range of options including traditional humanities, sciences, and arts subjects. At A-level, 30 subjects are offered across academic and technical routes. A-level Further Mathematics is available for those seeking advanced study, with explicit university recognition for STEM degrees.

Teaching methods emphasise active learning. Recent trips to Berlin and Krakow for GCSE History, alongside residential trips and enrichment days, embed real-world learning. Code Club initiatives in computing, in partnership with UTC Aerospace, have encouraged substantial uptake of GCSE Computer Science, reflecting strong digital literacy development. Sixth form mathematicians access external competitions such as Maths Fest, ensuring stretch for high-attainers.

For GCSE leavers, the school feeds students into its own sixth form and other local provision. A significant minority pursue grammar school entry at Reading School or Kendrick School if geography permits. Post-16, approximately one-third of leavers progress to university, with the remainder pursuing apprenticeships, further education, or direct employment.

The school has deliberately developed partnerships with local employers. Cyber-security apprenticeship pathways operate through the Cyber-security Apprentice Development Scheme, established via links with QinetiQ and Malvern Hills Science Park. In recent years, apprenticeship awareness events with B&Q and other employers have demonstrated strong outcomes, with student interest rising significantly post-engagement.

For university-bound students, approximately one student per year secures an Oxbridge place. Russell Group representation is supported through sixth form enrichment activities and independent careers guidance.

The school's extracurricular provision is distinctive in range and quality. Sports offerings include rugby, hockey, basketball, football, badminton, tennis, netball, and dance. Notably, the school hosts unusual provision such as kayaking and scuba diving, alongside sailing and canoeing partnerships with the Worcestershire Schools' Sailing and Canoeing Association (WSSCA), where the school won a record eighth best team trophy in 2016. Equestrian competition is also supported, with the school's team shining at National Championships in recent years. A multi-use games area, floodlit facilities, and sports hall support year-round activity. The school's Greenpower Racing project, a recent initiative involving student-led electric vehicle design and racing, embodies STEM engagement.

Drama and performing arts are central. A well-equipped drama studio with black box staging, lighting, and sound equipment on the annexe site supports practical work. Recent productions have included Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Christmas Carol, and Bugsy Malone, alongside whole-school showcases. The 2026 production, Sister Act, demonstrates ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality theatre. Students visit theatres regularly and work with professional practitioners.

Music provision includes instrument tuition through Severn Arts (available for hire), orchestral and ensemble work, and a thriving chapel choir tradition. Specific named ensembles and clubs, while not individually listed, form part of a broader cultural programme referenced in the Artsmark Gold award achieved in 2001 for excellence in art and design, drama, music, creative writing, and public speaking.

STEM clubs are substantial. Code Club attracts high demand from Years 7–8 and beyond, with many students progressing to GCSE Computer Science. The Pioneers club targets mathematical thinking through challenges and problem-solving. Science clubs engage pupils in investigative work. A recent Greenpower Racing initiative has launched a project team designing and racing electric vehicles, positioning students at the forefront of sustainable engineering.

Creative arts extend beyond theatre. Art Club, described alongside an Eco Group creating installations (notably a Christmas tree installation at Great Malvern Priory made from repurposed books and shoes), demonstrate creative practice linked to values. Year 12 students undertake Art & Ecology Enrichment, integrating environmental awareness with artistic practice.

Broader enrichment includes the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, residential trips, and an annual Enrichment Day providing experiences beyond the standard curriculum. The Hills Walk, a 7.5-mile annual fundraising walk across the Malvern Hills held since 1977, has become a tradition, raising over £5,000 annually for charities including support for elderly residents and food banks.

The Thunk Club, described as a space for philosophical questions with no right or wrong answers, reflects the school's commitment to curiosity and critical thinking beyond conventional subject boundaries. Homework Club, Board Games, Time Explorers, Calm Crafts, and other offerings ensure accessibility for all interests and temperaments.

The Chase is a non-selective academy with mixed gender entry. For Year 7, the school receives significantly more applications than places available, reflecting local popularity. The school feeds from 16 primary schools across Malvern, noted in official records. Admissions are coordinated through Worcestershire's standard process; the school is non-selective, allocating places by criteria including looked-after children, siblings, and distance.

Entry to the sixth form at Year 12 typically requires GCSE attainment meeting subject-specific requirements. External applicants are also considered, and the sixth form has expanded to accommodate growing applications from surrounding areas.

Open events typically occur in autumn, allowing families to tour facilities and meet staff. Families should verify current admissions dates and open day schedules on the school website or contact the admissions office directly at 01684 891961.

The school day runs from 8:50am (typically; families should confirm exact times on the website). Wraparound care is not explicitly advertised as standard provision; families requiring before or after-school supervision should contact the school directly for available arrangements.

Transport to The Chase is accessible via local bus services from Malvern and surrounding villages. The school provides a coach from some areas, though specifics vary by year and demand. Parking is available on the school campus. The nearest train station is Malvern Link, with regular services to Worcester and beyond. The school operates a bus bay for drop-off and collection.

The school day is structured across two main sites: the Main Campus (primary teaching areas, science, humanities, main hall) and an Annexe Site (drama studio, dance facilities). A dedicated Sixth Form area provides independent learning spaces and a dedicated café.

Pastoral structures centre on form tutors, year leaders, and a dedicated Careers Hub (formerly Pastoral Hub). Mental health support is explicitly prioritised, with parents noting that staff provide strong support for pupils' psychological well-being. The school works closely with external agencies including Cardiac Risk in the Young, providing heart screening for Year 11 students as part of proactive health awareness.

A resourced provision for students with SEND is available within the school. The school has designated Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCO), though the extent of specialist on-site therapy is not elaborated in public materials; families with SEND requirements should contact the school directly to understand available support. The school notes that pupils with SEND are actively supported to participate in after-school clubs, ensuring inclusive access to enrichment.

Behaviour is managed through a clear behaviour curriculum with explicit expectations. The school is clear about consequences and support structures. Students with emotional or social difficulties receive targeted intervention. The school promotes restorative practices and has invested in staff training.

Safeguarding is a statutory priority, with designated safeguarding leads and a formal safeguarding policy. The school explicitly mentions training on online safety, and students understand how to stay safe including digitally.

Transition from primary to secondary. As a comprehensive secondary, The Chase serves all ability ranges. Students arriving from small primaries may find the step-up in scale (approximately 1,300 pupils, with 300+ in sixth form) initially overwhelming. The school supports transition through visits and tutor group placement, but families should recognise that adjustment takes time.

Attainment in the middle range. With Attainment 8 at 50.8 and Progress 8 at +0.08, the school sits in solid middle-range performance. Families specifically seeking top-tier GCSE outcomes may wish to compare with selective grammar school alternatives or independent schools with higher published attainment metrics.

Limited named elite provision. While the school offers breadth, there is no specialist stream or accelerated pathway marketed as explicitly elite. High-attaining pupils are supported within mixed-ability classes, which suits collaborative learners but may lack isolation for those requiring advanced pure study environments.

Ofsted rating predates new inspection framework. The 2021 Good rating was issued under the old framework. From September 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns overall effectiveness grades. The school has not been re-inspected under the new system; families should be aware that the 2021 judgment, whilst recent, operates under previous assessment criteria.

The Chase is a well-established, inclusive comprehensive secondary serving the broader Malvern community with solid academics, engaging enrichment, and genuine pastoral care. The sixth form stands out as Outstanding in its own right, particularly for students pursuing academic progress and university entry. The school's balance between aspiration and accessibility, combined with its commitment to diverse extracurricular pathways (from drama to equestrian sport to cyber-security apprenticeships), makes it a strong choice for families seeking comprehensive education without selection or grammar school entry criteria.

Best suited to families within reasonable distance of Malvern who value inclusive, balanced education that combines academic rigour with broader enrichment. The school is particularly strong for sixth form students aiming for university, as well as for pupils seeking diverse post-16 pathways including apprenticeships and vocational study. Students who thrive in mixed-ability, collaborative environments and who benefit from clear pastoral structures will find The Chase a supportive community. The main consideration is whether the school's solid middle-tier academic positioning (rather than elite performance) aligns with individual family aspirations.