Stonyhurst College

Welcome to Stonyhurst College where 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.

Throughout the website we have tried to convey something of the very special nature of Stonyhurst. I warmly invite you to come  and see us in action, so you may see for yourself all that we have to offer.

UK's leading co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for 3 - 18 year olds. Our school was originally founded in Saint-Omer, near Calais, in 1593 by Fr Robert Persons SJ under the patronage of Philip II of Spain, we are the oldest continually active Jesuit school in the world. Our story is more than 400 years old and we now sit at the cutting edge in independent education with our traditions to support us. We empower our boys and girls to be the best that they can be, shaping leaders of the future who carry a sense of purpose and a desire to make the world a better place.

Stonyhurst has 800-strong pupil body comprising the 500 pupils of Stonyhurst College (13-18) plus the 300 pupils at the preparatory school, Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall (3-13).  We pride ourselves on our global perspective and we welcome applications from international pupils as well as the UK pupils. With children from over 27 countries, our cultural diversity adds to the richness and global outlook of our school community

We are based in a magnificent Grade I listed building within a secluded and safe 1,000 acre estate, a beautiful rural setting in Lancashire's Ribble Valley. Overlooking Pendle Hill and the magnificent countryside, our location is stunningly peaceful and is inhabited by many varieties of wildlife for pupils to explore and enjoy.

Ethos-Pupils at Stonyhurst pursue a life of purpose achieving academic excellence alongside spiritual and emotional growth and learn to embody our school motto, ‘Quant je puis’, meaning ‘as much as I can’, in every activity. Stonyhurst encourages each individual pupil to thrive by enabling them to find, develop and use their unique talents; creating great leaders and preparing our young people to be men and women for others.

Cura Personalis-We believe in ‘cura personalis’ – development of the whole person. Each individual will experience this differently, based around their interests, talents, choices and personality, but all will benefit from this approach. While academic performance is important, learning and personal growth extends far beyond the classroom at Stonyhurst. We want to continue to excel in something that we have successfully achieved for over 400 years – to shape individuals to be the best that they can be, wherever their strengths and talents may lie.

The four pillars

These four pillars underpin our motto 'Quant Je Puis' and everything we do here at Stonyhurst. We do this to ensure that our pupils enjoy a well-rounded, balanced education and fulfilled life with us.

Academic excellence
Stonyhurst College has an outstanding academic record, with many pupils going on to the best universities in the UK, Europe and around the world. Small class sizes and positive teacher–pupil relationships enable pupils to achieve their full academic potential.

Our continual 100% pass rate is a testament to the school staff and the hard work of our pupils.

Faith that does justice
At Stonyhurst, all that we do is Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (for the greater glory of God), and every pupil, whatever their religious background, is encouraged to participate in the spiritual life of the school.

We challenge everyone to live out their faith in practical ways, from Lenten ‘fast’ lunches to becoming ‘men and women for others’ through our extensive voluntary service programme.

Perspectives and horizons
The modern world is a complex place, which is why we know how important it is for our pupils to broaden their perspectives and expand their horizons – we want them to think and act both locally and globally. As part of the Global Network of Jesuit Schools, an IB World School and a boarding school that welcomes students from all over the world.

Our Mission and Vision

Our mission-Stonyhurst is a Jesuit, Catholic School with a tradition of excellence that seeks to develop the full human potential of its pupils to live lives of faith and justice as citizens of the world.

Our vision-Through our mission, values and identity, we thrive. Our pupils and our people, all that they can be. 'Quant Je Puis'.

Our way of proceeding-Our aim is to form ‘men and women for others’ by living out the virtues in the Jesuit Profile.