Stonyhurst: Exploring School Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
Welcome to the ultimate guide to Stonyhurst! As you embark on the journey of finding the perfect boarding school, join us as we delve into the heart of Stonyhurst. Get ready for an insider’s perspective filled with candid reviews, insightful rankings, and a transparent look at fees. Let’s explore Stonyhurst together and uncover what sets it apart in the world of education.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Stonyhurst
Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Lancashire
- Age: 3-13
- Pupils: 234
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Fees: Day £10,545 – £21,090; Boarding £28,350 – £31,035 pa
Stonyhurst College
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Lancashire
- Age: 13-18
- Pupils: 501; sixth formers: 237
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Fees: Day £24,750; Boarding £35,721 – £40,905 pa
Stonyhurst School Results
- GCSE Results (2023): 46% achieved grades 9-7.
- A Level Results (2023): 40% secured A*/A grades (68% achieved A*-B).
- Average IB Point Score (2023): Impressive score of 33.6.
Compare these to the pre-pandemic results:
- GCSE Results (2019): 44% attained grades 9-7.
- A Level Results (2019): 26% achieved A*/A grades (57% achieved A*-B).
Boarding Facilities in Stonyhurst
Boarding at Stonyhurst College and St Mary’s Hall offers a rich and engaging experience for students, providing a supportive environment where they can thrive both academically and socially.
Stonyhurst College Boarding:
- Exciting Outings: With the majority of boarders staying full-time, there are plenty of opportunities for cinema trips and outings to nearby cities like York and Manchester.
- Refurbished Boarding Houses: The boarding houses, known as playrooms, have been recently refurbished to provide comfortable and modern living spaces for students. Each pupil has a dedicated tutor who meets with them in small groups weekly, ensuring individual needs are met and pastoral care is prioritised.
- Accommodation: Boarders initially share rooms with up to five others, progressing to single rooms as they advance in their studies. The rooms offer traditional charm and many boast magnificent views of the school grounds. While facilities like showers and toilets are not extravagant, they are well-maintained and functional.
Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall Boarding:
- Community Living: Boarders at St Mary’s Hall sleep in galleries accommodating up to six students. The boys’ galleries offer functional spaces with stunning views, while the girls’ galleries are cozier with added comforts like cushions and personal touches. Separate sitting rooms for boys and girls provide spaces for relaxation and socialising, while a joint playroom and kitchen promote a sense of community.
- Staff Support: With staffing levels at 1:7, students benefit from attentive care and support from dedicated houseparents. Regular newsletters keep parents informed about the boarding activities, from sports events to outings and movie nights, fostering transparency and involvement in the boarding community.
Extra Curricular Activities
Stonyhurst embraces a vibrant array of extracurricular activities, providing students with opportunities to explore their passions and talents beyond the classroom.
The Arts and Extracurricular:
- Artistic Expression: Art is celebrated at Stonyhurst, with an artist in residence fostering creativity. Plans are underway to extend this support to poets, highlighting the school’s commitment to nurturing diverse talents.
- Musical Diversity: Music flourishes with big choirs, bands, orchestras, and ensembles. Weekly performances and headmaster’s concerts showcase students’ musical prowess.
- Dynamic Dance: From street to tap to zumba, dance opportunities abound, with ambitious productions like Moulin Rouge and Wicked showcasing students’ skills.
- Theatrical Productions: The drama space boasts professional sound and lighting, hosting a range of performances from Les Mis to contemporary adaptations like Much Ado About Nothing.
- Diverse Clubs: Students engage in various clubs spanning politics, philosophy, robotics, astronomy, and economics, with renowned speakers enriching discussions. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) provide opportunities for personal development and leadership.
Special Events and Trips:
- Canvas of Events: Stonyhurst hosts a variety of grand events, from fashion shows featuring African couture to biennial literary festivals. The school’s vibrant social scene includes traditional balls and inter-line competitions in diverse activities.
- Exciting Trips: Students embark on enriching trips to destinations like South Africa, China, and iconic landmarks closer to home, such as the Louvre and the Houses of Parliament.
Sporting Excellence:
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Stonyhurst boasts impressive sports facilities, including tennis domes, squash courts, a golf course, and a shooting range. The addition of a new all-weather Astro turf enhances sporting opportunities.
- Athletic Achievements: The school celebrates remarkable successes in sports, with the rugby team clinching the Lancashire Cup and the girls’ netball team embarking on a tour to Dubai.
Admissions Process: Entering Stonyhurst
For Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, admission commences with a warm meeting between prospective students and the head and staff, allowing both parties to familiarise themselves with one another. Following this introduction, students are invited for a day to experience the school firsthand.
Those transferring from another institution are kindly asked to provide school reports and a reference to aid in understanding their educational journey. Stonyhurst embraces diversity by welcoming students who may have limited English proficiency, offering the necessary support for their academic success. Additionally, students entering Year 7 undergo an 11-plus exam to ensure a fair assessment of their abilities.
At Stonyhurst College, a third of students transition from the school’s prep, St Mary’s Hall, facilitating a seamless educational journey. Candidates at 11+, 13+, and 16+ levels undergo an entrance exam, accompanied by school reports and references. International applicants are assessed for English proficiency to ensure they can confidently engage with their studies.
For sixth form entry, students participate in an interview, which can be conducted via video or telephone for international candidates. Alongside the interview, applicants submit a heartfelt 500-word handwritten personal statement, offering insight into their aspirations and passions. Academic requirements include at least five grade 6s at GCSE (or equivalent) for sixth form entry and grade 4 passes at GCSE in maths and English language, plus three other subjects, for those interested in the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP). Some international pupils may also undergo the Oxford Placement Test to ensure appropriate academic placement.
SEN Support
Stonyhurst provides support for students that have special educational needs such as:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
Testimonials and Reviews
Having had the pleasure working within this impressive looking building. The open/fayre weekend is a must to visit, just to admire the detailed joinery workmanship inside. The residents are very lucky to learn in such admirable surroundings. The maintenance crew who look after the building use traditional tradesman methods. Look at the gargoyles sporting the rainwater pipes and the detailed stonework. I was informed it is used for TV locations…. Three men and a little Lady movie being one. The history behind this college is a fascinating read (See Wikipedia)
JUST SEE!! VISIT!!
Very impressive building in a picturesque setting. Very good reputation as an educational centre.
One of the best boarding Schools. Had two of the greatest years in that school.
Stonyhurst Gallery: See what's in these walls!
Frequently Asked Questions about Stonyhurst
Stonyhurst is located in heart of the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Northwest of England.
Stonyhurst rated highest grade of ‘Excellent’ in 2023 ISI Report. The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.
Stonyhurst College is open to the public at limited times of the year for guided tours of the College, and entry to the Old Chapel Museum. Visitors are given the opportunity to see the various chapels and historic rooms within the building.
Stonyhurst was notable for its scientific activities, including the meteorological records of the Observatory (built in 1838).
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