What is Stonyhurst College like?

Stonyhurst is the UK's leading co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for 3–18 year olds. Founded in 1593, it is the oldest continuously active Jesuit school in the world. It is situated in Lancashire and is only one hour from Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds Airports with international flights to a range of destinations.

Inspired by the beautiful 1000 acre estate, Stonyhurst pupils pursue academic excellence alongside spiritual and emotional growth and learn to embody their school motto: “Quant je puis”, meaning “all that I can”, in every activity. The IB mission reflects Stonyhurst’s Jesuit mission and identity, in that both organisations seek to develop the whole person – intellectually, physically and emotionally.

Unlike most English public schools, Stonyhurst is organised horizontally by year groups (known as Playrooms) rather than vertically by houses. Each playroom has an assigned Head of Playroom, who gets to know the students in his or her care very well. Students come from the UK and around the world to experience an IB education at Stonyhurst. Stonyhurst offers an extremely full and enriching educational experience and students flourish in a safe, happy, ordered environment and vibrant, close-knit community. Nearly all boarders stay over at the weekend and enjoy the opportunity to participate in a full programme of enriching activities and regular trips and visits. Stonyhurst is very much a 7-day-a-week boarding school. 

Stonyhurst offers a broad Sixth Form curriculum which includes the IB Diploma Programme, in addition to A Levels and CTEC, with a Pre-IB course for students joining in Year 11. Stonyhurst IB students consistently perform above the world average and go on to prestigious universities in the UK and beyond, in a wide variety of challenging subjects, such as law, economics, medicine and engineering.

Pupils also benefit from a huge range of co-curricular options through the many clubs and societies that run each year. Exceptional facilities and opportunities allow new interests to be discovered and existing passions to be taken to the next level, with the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) aspect of the IB Diploma enabling pupils to design their own programme of activities and projects, developing personal growth and reflection.

An IB education at Stonyhurst provides an excellent foundation for any young person, regardless of whether they are aiming for a specific career or want to keep their options open.

Would Stonyhurst College be suitable for my child?

Stonyhurst pupils are grateful, generous, curious, and active (taken from the ‘Jesuit Pupil Profile’). Stonyhurst is the oldest Jesuit boarding school in the world so it attracts pupils who are specifically inspired by the ethos and spirit of Jesuit schools. In addition to young Catholics, Stonyhurst welcomes young people who belong to other Christian traditions, and other faiths, and all of them are encouraged to play a full part in the spiritual life of the school.

Stonyhurst believes in ‘cura personalis’ – development of the whole person. While academic performance is important, learning and personal growth extends far beyond the classroom at Stonyhurst.  The school encourages young people to find and nurture their own unique talents and interests, to shape individuals to be the best that they can be, wherever their strengths and talents may lie.

How can I apply to Stonyhurst College?

Applications are welcomed for entry at all stages from ages 13 to 18, with all prospective pupils and their families encouraged to visit the College at an open event or as a private visit to know if it is a good fit for them. The first part of the Admissions process is completing an online registration form.

The application procedures are age appropriate and can include entry assessments, interviews, references, previous school reports, a disability assessment (if applicable), and a 500-word handwritten personal statement. A taster day is also an option, along with an overnight boarding stay where appropriate. Stonyhurst considers each application on its individual merit, with scholarships and bursaries also available.