Stonyhurst College, together with its preparatory school Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, is a leading independent co-educational Catholic day and boarding school for 3 – 18 year olds, with boarding available from 7 years.
Stonyhurst College and Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall
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At Stonyhurst we achieve high academic results, have exceptional pastoral care, and offer an extensive range of co-curricular activities. The pupils in our care are given the individual attention, resources and space in which to grow intellectually, spiritually and emotionally.
Stonyhurst pupils are encouraged to involve themselves fully in the opportunities offered to them. Living in a supportive and diverse community, they are helped to develop those qualities of character that will distinguish them in later life as men and women for others. A Jesuit education is a foundation for such a life, an education that nurtures individuality and encourages generosity.
Stonyhurst is set in a magnificent Grade I listed building, nestled in the stunning rural landscape of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, England. Despite its 432-year Jesuit heritage, the school is home to an incredibly diverse community, with pupils from 32 different countries and a range of faith backgrounds, or none (though 60% are Catholic).
Academically, Stonyhurst is a high-achieving school, with most pupils progressing to Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, and other leading global institutions. Small class sizes and strong teacher-pupil relationships ensure that every pupil receives the individual attention needed to reach their full academic potential.
The Sixth Form offers three options for study – A level, the IB Diploma Programme, or the Cambridge Technical Diploma in Business and Sport. Each route provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, allowing pupils to tailor their studies to their strengths and ambitions. Stonyhurst is ranked among the Top 30 IB Schools in the UK and is in the top 25% of schools and colleges for value-added progress.
Beyond the classroom, Stonyhurst’s Co-curricular Diploma provides a wealth of opportunities for pupils to explore new passions and develop lifelong skills. With over 75 activities – including astronomy, horse riding, the Combined Cadet Force, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and drama – there is something for everyone.
Outstanding facilities support all aspects of school life, including a swimming pool, gym, 22 sports pitches, and tennis dome which is home to two Grand Slam indoor tennis courts. Further facilities include, seven chapels, a shooting range, two theatres, a golf course and simulator, a museum, and an observatory. As one pupil puts it, “You will never find yourself bored.”
At the heart of Stonyhurst is its Jesuit mission, which nurtures pupils intellectually, spiritually, and morally, inspiring them to become agents of positive global change by embracing the ethos of being ‘men and women for others.’ While deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage, the College warmly welcomes pupils from other Christian traditions and faiths, or none.