Scholarships and Awards

Stonyhurst is a school where intellectual curiosity, discernment and lifelong learning are fostered.

William Doherty, Head of Stonyhurst

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An Introduction to Scholarships and Awards

Rooted in our Jesuit mission, Stonyhurst has a long tradition of recognising and developing excellence. Our scholarships and awards celebrate pupils’ talents and potential across academic study, music, drama and musical theatre, art and design, and sport. Scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry points.

Stonyhurst also offers two categories of award to support eligible families seeking to join the school, the Xavier Award and the Gonzaga Award. Awards are made at the school’s discretion and in accordance with clearly defined principles and criteria

Explore the scholarships and awards available, their eligibility criteria and how to apply.

It is essential that all external scholarship applicants have registered for a place at Stonyhurst before applying for a scholarship. Please register for a place and to begin the Admissions process by clicking the button below.

Please note, the application deadline for a Scholarship or an Award is 5th October 2026.

Scholarships and Awards

Applications for 2027/28 Academic, Art and Design, Drama and Musical Theatre, Music and Sport Scholarships are now closed.

Scholarships are awarded through an annual application and assessment process, with clearly defined criteria recognising excellence in key areas of school life. They are currently offered in academic study, music, drama and musical theatre, art and design, and sport at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry.

The pursuit of excellence has long been part of life at Stonyhurst. It is expressed through the Jesuit concept of the magis -striving for greater depth and the greater good -and through our school motto, Quant Je Puis: ‘all that I can’.

All scholarships apply to defined entry points and periods of study, and are open to all eligible applicants. The operational details for scholarships can be found below.

Explore Our Scholarships

Explore Our Scholarships

Scholarship Information and Expectations

Operational Details

Scholarships are awarded by the school in the areas of academic, music, drama and musical theatre, art and design, and sport.

Up to 20% fee remission can be awarded, based upon the particular skills and qualities of the applicant, as well as the needs and capacity of the school.

The remission is usually tiered as Major (20%), Minor (10%) or Exhibition (5%). This is reviewed by a panel and confirmed by the Head.

Part or all of a scholarship may take the form of a defined Pathway only: a specialist programme of additional tuition, coaching and support within the relevant discipline. Pathways may include different levels of provision, reflecting the nature and intensity of the support required. They are designed to help each pupil develop their talents as fully as possible — ‘all that I can’ — and are provided at no additional charge.

The deadline for scholarship applications for 2027 entry is Monday 5th October 2026. Clear information is provided about the assessment process and the communication of outcomes.

In exceptional circumstances, the school may consider awarding a scholarship outside the published application period, at its sole discretion.

Personal Standards and Annual Review

Every Stonyhurst pupil shares the privilege and responsibility of upholding the values on which our community is founded. Pupils receiving fee support are expected to demonstrate good character, diligence, respect for others and positive engagement in school life, including continued commitment to any area of excellence or significant strength associated with their award. Awards are reviewed annually, with appropriate discretion and full regard for each pupil’s privacy. Continued fee support is subject to the pupil meeting the expectations and any specific conditions set out in their award.

Additional Fee Support

Awards

Stonyhurst also offers two categories of award to support eligible families seeking to join the school. Awards are made at the school’s discretion and in accordance with clearly defined principles and criteria:

Xavier Awards

These awards are named after St Francis Xavier, one of the first companions of St Ignatius of Loyola and a renowned missionary. He is remembered for his tireless zeal, his readiness ‘to go wherever the need was greatest’, and his care for others.

Xavier Awards are intended to support, where possible, children of Old Stonyhursts, UK-resident families and Catholic families seeking a boarding education at Stonyhurst. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strength of character, diligence in their studies and a significant strength or area of excellence within school life. The application process and criteria are outlined below. Candidates who progress on merit to the final stage will be interviewed by the Head and invited to give a presentation about their character, aspirations and area of excellence.

Gonzaga Awards

These awards are named after St Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of Stonyhurst and of young people and pupils. He is remembered for turning away from privilege and for his courageous, selfless service to those who were poor, vulnerable or abandoned.

Gonzaga Awards are intended to support, where possible, families seeking greater continuity and stability in their child’s education. Applicants may come from a broader range of backgrounds than those eligible for Xavier Awards and may be facing uncertainty at their current school. The award offers pupils the opportunity to pursue their strengths and develop their talents with confidence and purpose.

All applicants are expected to demonstrate strength of character and diligence in their studies; a significant strength or area of excellence within school life may also be advantageous. The application process and criteria are outlined below. Candidates who progress on merit to the final stage will be interviewed by the Head and invited to give a presentation about their character, aspirations and area of excellence.

The operational details for awards can be found below.