A PRIVATE school is offering free places to local school children in what has been described as a 'Willy Wonka' giveaway.

Principal Malcolm Wood plans to introduce English pupils to Malvern's Abbey College, which is currently comprised of solely international students.

The school will now cover the day fees for three local children and offer 50 per cent discounts to another 30 students.

Mr Wood, originally from Inkberrow, Worcestershire, said: "I arrived in September. I've come to Abbey College where it's 100 per cent overseas [students].

"I decided I want to have some local students to join the mix. It's a bit like a Willy Wonka ticket.

"For students that come from overseas it's good if they have British fellow students.

"We are looking for students who are fluent native speakers of English."

Mr Wood, aged 42, hopes the introduction of local youngsters will lead to a 'cross-fertilisation of cultures' at the school.

The principal, who previously worked at an international school in Uganda, added that the free places will be available in years nine, 10 and 12.

The college is also offering 10 half-fee scholarships in each of these years to local pupils.

Mr Wood added: "It will be open to people who can feasibly get their children to school. That will be self-limiting. I envisage students within 15 miles."

He said the school plans to interview candidates on December 8, December 9 and December 11, with the successful applicants starting in September 2018.

The scholarships will apply for the duration of the time pupils study at the school and are not just limited to the year they join.

Abbey College, in Wells Road, Malvern, currently charges yearly fees of £28,000 for boarding students and £14,000 for day pupils.

To apply for one of the scholarships email principal@abbeycollege.co.uk