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Stonyhurst College

United Kingdom, Preston

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £14,747 - 58,276
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 700
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1593
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (DP), BTEC Qualification
Taught languages French, Spanish, German, Latin, Italian
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Stonyhurst College is a co-educational day and boarding school on a 1,000-acre estate in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. It comprises St Mary's Hall (ages 3–11) and Stonyhurst College (ages 11–18), educating around 800 pupils from more than 30 countries. The school sits in the Jesuit tradition and blends history with a pastoral ethos. The curriculum includes the British Curriculum, the IB Diploma Programme and the Cambridge Technical Diploma in the Sixth Form, with small classes and close teacher–pupil relationships that let pupils learn at their own pace and develop their talents. Facilities span sport, arts and study: a 25m swimming pool, a 37-station gym, an all-weather pitch, a tennis dome and a 9-hole golf course; theatres, a dance studio and a 15-room music department; the More Library (35,000 books), historic libraries and the Observatory, the oldest working school observatory in the UK. Co-curricular life centers on the Stonyhurst Diploma and programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh, Model United Nations and performing arts.

Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 9PZ, United Kingdom

The Essentials

Stonyhurst College has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
Stonyhurst is located in the Ribble Valley near Clitheroe, Lancashire, England, on a 1,000‑acre estate. The campus comprises Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall for ages 3–11 and Stonyhurst College for ages 11–18. The address is Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ; for satellite navigation use BB7 9PX.

Stages
Pupils are educated across two schools: Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall (ages 3–11) and Stonyhurst College (ages 11–18).

Type
Co-educational day and boarding school.

Additional learning support
The Learning Support Department at the College provides for pupils who have or may have special educational needs, including English as an additional language (EAL).

Country affiliation
England

Religious affiliation
Catholic (Jesuit) school.

Bus service
A school bus service is available for day pupils travelling to and from Stonyhurst each school day.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is offered in Occasional, Flexible, Weekly, and Full options. Boarders live in six houses arranged by gender and age, with year-based Playrooms and a Line Family structure to support pastoral care and community. Stonyhurst operates a seven-day-a-week boarding model, including Saturday School and Sunday activities, to provide continuity and a cohesive community.

Uniform Requirement
The uniform is supplied by Stevensons Uniform Shop; orders can be placed online and a Uniform Booklet is downloadable. Name tapes and uniform alterations are available. A Uniform Pop-Up Shop is occasionally held to help fittings.

Food Options
Organic and locally sourced meals are provided. The catering supports a broad range of dietary needs.

House System
The house system uses Lines: Campion, Shireburn, St Omers, and Weld. Pupils are grouped into Lines and participate in Interline competitions; there are Playrooms (year-based groups) led by Playroom Leaders, and every pupil belongs to a Line Family.

Governance and Ownership
Board of Trustees oversee both Stonyhurst College and St Mary's Hall and meet twice per term. Trustees are unpaid volunteers who determine strategy and direction and govern through committees. Stonyhurst is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
Fees

Annual tuition at Stonyhurst College ranges from GBP 14,747 to GBP 58,276 for 2026/27.

Application and registration fees

- Registration fee: GBP 150 (UK) or GBP 180 (Rest of the World), inclusive of VAT.

Deposits (payable on acceptance)

- Stonyhurst College:
- UK full boarding: GBP 4,300.
- Rest of the World full boarding: GBP 4,600.
- Weekly / Flexi boarding: GBP 3,700.
- Day pupil: GBP 2,500.

- Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall (ages 3–11):
- UK full boarding: GBP 3,100.
- Rest of the World full boarding: GBP 3,600.
- Weekly / Flexi boarding: GBP 2,800.
- Day pupil: GBP 2,100.
- Pre-Prep: GBP 1,200.

Tuition fees — Stonyhurst College (per term and annual figures for 2026/27)

- UK – Full Boarding:
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 17,847.45; Annual total GBP 53,542.35.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 17,547.45; Annual total GBP 52,642.35.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 12,909.45; Annual total GBP 38,728.35.

- Rest of the World – Full Boarding:
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 19,425.45; Annual total GBP 58,276.35.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 19,125.45; Annual total GBP 57,376.35.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 14,926.65; Annual total GBP 44,779.95.

- Weekly Boarding (5–6 nights, return after supper on Sunday):
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 15,511.85; Annual total GBP 46,535.55.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 15,311.85; Annual total GBP 45,935.55.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 11,747.85; Annual total GBP 35,243.55.

- Flexi‑Boarding (3 nights per week):
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 13,743.05; Annual total GBP 41,229.15.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 13,603.05; Annual total GBP 40,809.15.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 10,688.25; Annual total GBP 32,064.75.

- Day pupils (College):
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 10,386.25; Annual total GBP 31,158.75.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 10,286.25; Annual total GBP 30,858.75.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 8,630.25; Annual total GBP 25,890.75.

Tuition fees — Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall (per term and annual figures for 2026/27)

- UK – Full Boarding (Years 4–6): Per term GBP 12,909.45; Annual total GBP 38,728.35.
- Rest of the World – Full Boarding (Years 4–6): Per term GBP 14,926.65; Annual total GBP 44,779.95.
- Weekly Boarding (Years 4–6): Per term GBP 11,747.85; Annual total GBP 35,243.55.
- Flexi‑Boarding (Years 4–6): Per term GBP 9,854.70; Annual total GBP 29,564.10.
- Day pupils:
- Year 4–6: Per term GBP 6,157.50; Annual total GBP 18,472.50.
- Year 3: Per term GBP 5,536.70; Annual total GBP 16,610.10.
- Reception/Year 1/Year 2 (Pre‑Prep): Per term GBP 4,915.50; Annual total GBP 14,746.50.
- Nursery sessions (where 15 hours Early Education Funding applies): GBP 9.45 per hour (excl. VAT).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are published on a per‑term basis and annual totals are shown as the sum of three terms; fees are reviewed annually in the Easter Term with any change applying from the following September.
- The public fee material provides registration and deposit amounts and per‑term/annual fee levels; the school's public pages do not publish detailed invoice due‑dates, the formal parental contract wording on notice periods or full refund/repayment mechanics. For specific contractual payment terms (invoice dates, late‑payment charges, required notice to withdraw and how deposits are handled), contact the school's fees office at fees@stonyhurst.ac.uk.

Boarding-related items included / noted

- Accommodation and all main meals for boarding pupils are included in the boarding fee, excluding lunch in certain instances where lunch is listed as a separate specified charge. Laundry service for boarding pupils is included.
- Weekly boarding is defined as 5–6 nights with return after supper on Sunday.

Other costs and common additional charges

- Lunch: lunch is identified as a separate specified charge in the published material; refreshment and supper for day pupils are included but lunch may be charged separately.
- Uniform: the full cost of school uniform is not included in the fees. Uniform and related items are supplied through the school's appointed supplier, Stevensons; the Stevensons shop accepts major debit and credit cards (American Express excluded) for uniform purchases.
- Examinations, some weekend activities and charges for externally provided activities are listed as additional to the fees. Any dry‑cleaning or laundry costs for items left at school will be charged to the pupil's account.

What the fees cover

- Timetabled teaching classes, laundry for boarders, a personal Microsoft laptop from Year 7, personal accident insurance and (for boarders) accommodation and main meals (with lunch identified as a separate specified charge in some cases) are included within the published fees.

Sibling discount

- A sliding scale sibling reduction applies while siblings attend at the same time: 1st child 0%; 2nd child 5% reduction; 3rd child 10% reduction; 4th child 15% reduction.

Refunds and notice

- The publicly published fee material lists registration fees and deposits but does not set out detailed refund mechanics or a full withdrawal/notice policy on the public pages. For the school's formal refund, notice and withdrawal terms (for example whether a deposit is retained, conditions for refund, and the notice period required to avoid a term's fees in lieu), contact the fees office at fees@stonyhurst.ac.uk.

Fee payment options and partners

- The school provides a partnership with School Fee Plan to allow UK families to spread fee payments.
- Uniform/shop payments are handled by Stevensons; Stevensons accepts major debit/credit cards (American Express excluded) at pop‑up events and via its online store.
- For all fee queries, invoices and to confirm accepted payment methods for school fees (for example bank transfer, direct debit, card or other channels), contact the fees office: fees@stonyhurst.ac.uk. The school publishes per‑term and annual fee levels but does not publish full invoicing mechanics on the public fee pages.

Summary (practical points for a parent entering data into a database)

- Registration fee: GBP 150 (UK) / GBP 180 (ROW). Deposits and per‑term fees vary by age group and boarding status (full/weekly/flexi/day); detailed per‑term and annual figures for 2026/27 are provided above for Stonyhurst College and St Mary's Hall.
- Fees are shown per term and as annual totals; fees are reviewed annually in the Easter Term. Lunch, uniform, examinations and some activities are additional to the published tuition figures. Stevensons supplies uniform; School Fee Plan is offered as a payment partner for UK families. For specific contractual billing dates, notice and refund mechanics, contact fees@stonyhurst.ac.uk.
Academics

Stonyhurst College teaches British Curriculum, IB (DP), BTEC Qualification for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The Sixth Form offers three routes for the Higher Line: A level, IB Diploma and the Cambridge Technical Diploma. The curriculum emphasises small classes and strong teacher-pupil relationships, enabling pupils to learn at their own pace and develop their talents.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small classes and strong teacher-pupil relationships.

Exam Results
A Level progress ranks 16th nationally, placing Stonyhurst in the top 0.6% of the country and 9th among independent schools. Stonyhurst is recognised as a Top 30 IB school nationally, and in 2026 the IB pass rate was 97% with an average IB score of 36.

Higher Education Progression
Pupils go on to top universities in the UK and overseas. Global destinations include University of St Andrews; University of Exeter; Hamilton College New York; University of Notre Dame US; King's College London; IE Madrid; University of Sydney; University of St Gallen Switzerland; Luiss Italy; Carnegie Mellon US.

Gifted and Talented
Academic Scholars programme offers opportunities for pupils across All College (Years 7-13), with monthly Magis Mail, promotion of debating, Model United Nations, subject clubs and a Gifted and Talented STEM workshop day. In Higher Line (Sixth Form), Academic Scholars study A level or IB Diploma, may undertake Extended Projects, and participate in mentoring, leadership roles, UCAS guidance and Oxbridge preparation where applicable.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Pastoral Hub provides dedicated emotional, social and mental wellbeing support. The Hub has an open-door policy and a calm, welcoming space within the College; pupils may be referred by parents, Houseparents, Playroom Leaders, tutors or safeguarding staff, or seek support independently. The Hub is led by the Pastoral Coordinator and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and is supported by three full-time Pastoral Assistants and three qualified Counsellors. It offers 1:1 Pastoral Mentoring, Counselling and targeted group programmes, including Sleep Hygiene, Team Building and Resilience, Healthy Relationships and Healthy Digital Behaviours, with ASDAN LifeSkills accreditation where appropriate. It sits within a wider wellbeing network with the Health Centre, Boarding staff and senior pupil representatives to deliver a whole-school approach to wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Pastoral Hub collaborates with SEND to support pupils with additional learning needs. The safeguarding framework recognises a multi-disciplinary approach to safeguarding and wellbeing that includes SEND. The Lancashire SEND Helpline provides information and support (01772 533900). The Hub's group programmes include ASDAN LifeSkills accreditation for practical skills, and the approach emphasises restorative approaches to behaviour when needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Pupils applying with English as a second language have a formal interview in English as part of the assessment. Some international applicants may require additional English language support, with adaptations to the curriculum as appropriate. Pupils applying for Syntax (Year 11) join a structured Pre-IB programme, which prepares them for the IB Diploma Programme, and other year groups follow the main curriculum with possible English support where necessary. CEFR testing may be required for some international pupils.

Mental Wellbeing
The Pastoral Hub delivers mental wellbeing support as part of a multi-disciplinary network, including the Health Centre and Boarding staff. It offers 1:1 pastoral mentoring and counselling, plus group interventions such as Sleep Hygiene, Team Building and Resilience, Healthy Relationships and digital wellbeing. The approach is trauma-informed and focused on helping pupils build confidence, resilience and emotional awareness. The Hub uses a restorative approach to behaviour when needed.

Safeguarding
The school has a Jesuit Safeguarding Statement and places safeguarding at the heart of its work. It is an Operation Encompass school, providing early notification to staff when pupils may have been exposed to domestic abuse. The safeguarding team includes a Cross-Campus Designated Safeguarding Lead; Emma Winstanley is the designated lead, with contact details provided. All staff are trained in Child Protection and safeguarding procedures follow Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and the Prevent duty guidance. Lancashire SEND Helpline information is available for families seeking SEND support.
Parent Experience

History
Stonyhurst was founded in 1593 in Saint-Omer by Fr Robert Persons SJ under the patronage of Philip II of Spain, and is the world's oldest continually active Jesuit school. Today the school comprises two institutions, St Mary's Hall (ages 3–11) and Stonyhurst College (ages 11–18), forming a co-educational community of around 800 pupils from more than 30 countries on a 1,000-acre estate in Lancashire. In 1794 the school relocated to England after fleeing Liege; governance evolved with the establishment of a Governing Body in 1969 and the introduction of full co-education in 1999. It became an independent charitable trust in 2009, and the Stonyhurst Foundation was founded in 2020 to fund bursaries and other projects.

Community
The school provides a vibrant boarding and day community, with boarders supported by pastoral care and weekend activities, and day pupils fully integrated into the same academic, co-curricular and evening programmes. Stonyhurst hosts a diverse community of around 800 pupils from over 30 countries. The education is rooted in Jesuit values and cura personalis, with a Jesuit, Catholic foundation shaping daily life and learning. The campus sits on a historic 1,000-acre estate in Lancashire, offering extensive facilities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Founded in 1879, the Stonyhurst Association maintains contact between Stonyhurst and its past, present and future pupils, their parents and families. It runs activities including a Newsletter, an Annual Dinner, and other social events in the UK and overseas. It promotes charitable activities and funds scholarships at Stonyhurst College. It supports sporting events through Wanderers teams. Annual reports and accounts are published for the Association. It also coordinates parent events such as the Festive Lunch.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Stonyhurst College sits on 1,000 acres in the Ribble Valley and offers a broad range of facilities for sport, culture and study. The New Ref dining hall serves breakfast, lunch and supper to both day pupils and boarders. The campus features a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 37 stations, an all-weather pitch and a tennis dome, plus a 9-hole golf course and 22 sports pitches. The Arts and culture spaces include two professional theatres (The Academy Room and Centenaries Theatre), a dance studio and a music department with 15 practice rooms and an orchestra room, plus soundproof booths. The academic and heritage spaces include the More Library and other libraries across the site, the on-site museum and historic libraries, and an Observatory.

Sports Facilities
Stonyhurst has extensive on-site sports facilities. The Sports Centre includes a 25m pool, a six-lane facility and a gym with 37 stations, plus a fitness studio and a café; there is also an indoor shooting range and an indoor tennis dome. A 9-hole golf course and a golf simulator serve golf players, and a croquet lawn is on site. There are 22 sports pitches across the estate for rugby, netball, football, tennis and hockey. The Ambulacrum indoor sports hall hosts badminton, basketball and netball and the all-weather pitch provides year-round play.

Academic Facilities
Two well-equipped classrooms are in the College, with a further classroom at Saint Mary's Hall. The More Library contains 35,000 books and provides access to academic databases. The historic libraries hold around 75,000 books and the Bay Library offers a quiet study space. The Music Department has fifteen practice rooms, an Orchestra Room and five soundproof booths; instrument storage is available and instrument loans are free for pupils taking part in ensembles. The on-site Observatory is the oldest working school observatory in the UK.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Two professional theatres support drama and performance: the Academy Room, a theatre space for assemblies and productions, and the Centenaries Theatre at Saint Mary's Hall. The Top Ref is a performance space with a Steinway grand piano and a two-manual organ. The Dance Studio provides space for dance training; the Music Department includes fifteen practice rooms and an Orchestra Room with instrument storage and loan facilities for ensembles. The Observatory supports astronomy activities, and there is an indoor shooting range and an outdoor shooting range for supervised practice. A golf simulator and the tennis dome support sport-related clubs alongside the 25m swimming pool and gym for broader activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a wide range of co-curricular clubs and societies. Debating, politics, philosophy, astronomy, engineering and environmental groups are available, alongside book and chess clubs, computer programming and robotics workshops, and economics, history and creative writing magazines. A visiting speakers programme brings leading academics and other experts to share insights; pupils may take part in Model United Nations and other conferences.

Arts & Creative
Performing arts are central to co-curricular life. Many pupils take weekly instrumental or vocal lessons and join choirs, ensembles or bands, with concerts and public performances throughout the year. The musical co-curricular offer includes Jazz band, Choir, Ensembles, Orchestra and various performances, with scholarships for talented musicians. Drama is high-status with regular productions and strong results in national youth theatre programs.

Cultural & Language
Latin is available as a co-curricular activity through a weekly Latin Club, providing pupils with a taster of the language. Pupils may also study modern languages within the curriculum (French, Spanish, German) and enrich language learning through related co-curricular activities. Language-related events and activities form part of the broader cultural life at Stonyhurst.

Social & Hobbies
There is a diverse range of co-curricular clubs and societies beyond academics, including drone racing, fencing, dog walking, astronomy, angling and clay shooting. Pupils can start their own societies with support from the school, and group trips to Parliament, the Tate Gallery and Oxford University broaden horizons. Pupil publications such as The Eye and The Eagle offer opportunities for journalism and creative writing.

Community & Service
The Stonyhurst Diploma forms the foundation of the co-curricular programme, recognising involvement across four strands: Adventure, Chaplaincy, Performing Arts and Sport. Pupils complete two years of service in the College Combined Cadet Force and may pursue the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. There are faith-based and service opportunities, including Faith in Action awards and planning and delivering services for Playrooms and families.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is embedded in co-curricular life. Pupils lead clubs, start new societies and contribute to pupil publications, building teamwork and communication skills. The Stonyhurst Diploma recognises leadership across its four strands and supports pupils in growing as leaders. A broad careers and enrichment programme includes activities such as Young Enterprise and the Changemakers Society to develop professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Co-curricular life supports wellbeing through sport, outdoor adventure and structured physical activity. The Adventure Curriculum provides outdoor learning designed to build confidence, resilience and leadership. Chaplaincy and faith formation are integral to the co-curricular programme, complementing sport and arts to foster balance and community. Strong facilities and a broad programme help pupils maintain a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle.
Languages

Language Provision
French, Spanish and German are taught as modern languages; Latin is offered as an extension activity in Aloysius House. GCSE, A Level and IB options exist for these languages. Around 75% of pupils take two languages at GCSE and 14% take a language at A Level. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for international pupils.

Immersion Programs
Stonyhurst International Language School provides immersive English language education for pupils aged 11 to 17. The curriculum includes 20 weekly English lessons, maths support, and a research project. Pupils join the College community with a Certificate of Achievement recognizing progress and participation. The Summer Language School offers two- to four-week residential English language courses for international pupils.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Applications are welcomed for entry at all stages from ages 3 to 18, and there is no fixed application cut-off; families may apply to any year group at any time. 2. The first stage of the Admissions process is an enquiry form; an online application can be submitted and prospectuses downloaded as needed. 3. The admissions process includes entry assessments, interviews, and references from the current school, with school reports for the previous two years required. A 500-word handwritten personal statement is required for College pupils, while St Mary's Hall uses a personal information sheet; disability assessments may be carried out if applicable. 4. Some international pupils may sit the Cambridge English Placement Test (CEPT), and interviews can be conducted via video or telephone for international applicants. 5. Entry at 3+ involves joining St Mary's Hall Pre-Prep; the school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) department and offers places for children with little or no English. 6. Entry at 11+ typically involves a transfer from St Mary's Hall; applicants from other schools at 11+ require an online entrance assessment, school reports for the previous two years, a reference, a 500-word personal statement, and an interview with the Head (video for international). 7. Entry at 13+ (Lower Grammar), 14+ (Grammar), and 15+ (Syntax) is based on online entrance assessment, school reports, a reference, and an interview with the Head; some international pupils may sit the Oxford Placement Test. 8. Sixth Form entry is based on an interview, a satisfactory entrance examination, a 500-word handwritten personal statement, and submission of school reports; a good GCSE performance is expected. 9. International applicants have access to an International Applications & Agents route and may be interviewed via video/telephone.

Scholarships
Scholarships are the highest awards offered by Stonyhurst and are granted at the Head's discretion. Foundation bursaries are available to assist with fees; applications for a Stonyhurst Foundation Bursary are handled through Admissions.
School Events
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