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The Committee welcomed prospective new parents and pupils to the College for Open Morning. Many people were visiting for the first time. Some were blown away by our beautiful buildings while others were grateful for the hot coffee that waited for them in the Do Room.

In the Academy room the Headmaster, Mr Andrew Johnson, gave an opening speech and talked about the ethos and all round education offered at the College. Then everyone was treated to one of the highlights of the day with John Messent and Caroline Shorthouse, the Heads of the Line speaking of their personal experiences of being educated at Stonyhurst.

This was followed by a tour of the school which included a visit to the School Chapel to hear the Schola Cantorum sing two very moving pieces from Mozart’s Requiem. The tours were finished with a talk about the academic life here at the College from Mr Gordon–Brown. The day was rounded off by having a fantastic lunch in the Top Refectory.

Many prospective parents and pupils commented on the wonderful friendly atmosphere and how they would always remember the happy faces of the pupils at Stonyhurst. We hope everyone enjoyed the day and thanks must go to everyone who made it possible.

Everyone left having had a wonderful day and with John Messent’s closing remarks to his speech ringing in their ears, ‘So …. to sum up…why should you send your son or daughter to Stonyhurst? Well, it is a kind, relaxed place where they will make some of the best friends of their entire lives.  It has a wonderful atmosphere where togetherness as well as individualism is encouraged. It has beautiful buildings and there is always, always something going on. It is brilliant for all sports, clubs and societies, and the teachers are willing to go the extra mile for you. But above all, it is what you learn as a person at Stonyhurst that makes it special. The Jesuit ethos ‘men and women for others’ shines through in everything that we do so that when we leave, we hope to leave not only as successful and ambitious people, but as kind and caring people as well who can contribute fully to the wider world.’