Being successful at school means something different to everyone, whether it’s related to academic achievements, opportunities beyond the classroom, or just simply knowing that the overall experience has allowed growth and full preparation for whatever is to follow.
At Stonyhurst College, an independent school nestled within 1,000 acres of Lancashire’s stunning Ribble Valley, Victoria is one of many Sixth Form pupils leaving this summer who can safely say her potential has been realised since joining as a full boarder from Spain in 2021.
Fast forward three years and her time at the oldest continually active Jesuit school in the world has been marked by the rigorous academic curriculum of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, chairing the Pupil Council, completing her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and being instrumental as Secretary General in organising the school’s Model United Nations (MUN). There can be no argument that the success of her educational journey so far spans multiple avenues in preparing her for the future, and she has shared some exclusive insight into her Stonyhurst boarding experience.
‘My days at Stonyhurst are long and eventful, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I enjoy being able to have breakfast with my friends and other boarders, and then attend an assembly or hymn practice in the on-site St Peter’s Church before lessons start at 9am.
I’m studying six subjects as part of my IB, ranging from History and German to Business Management and Environmental Systems, in addition to the core Theory of Knowledge, during which we’ve been able to access the Stonyhurst Museum and Archives, which is an incredible resource with over 100,000 artefacts and historical books.
‘My mornings are usually split between lessons and free study periods, which I use to work on my IB coursework and revision for upcoming exams. Afternoons are usually just as busy, starting with Pupil Council meetings during the lunch break. As one of four Executive Chairs, I am responsible for the sub-committee for catering, which means I represent the pupil voice from all the College year groups to bring about change to enhance pupil life.
The variety that Stonyhurst offers really appealed to me when choosing schools. I love the history, traditions and community of Stonyhurst, especially with having everything all on a single campus, but I found there were opportunities which were not available elsewhere, such as MUN, where, along with the Pupil Council, I have gained a specific type of experience that I hope will serve me well for university and then as a career in International Relations.
Most afternoons, I am in lessons until 5pm, and then I have some spare time before dinner where I am able to attend a subject clinic if there is something specific that I need help with or attend meetings for things like MUN and organising school events. I normally set myself 90 minutes after eating for any homework or coursework, and then spend my free evening time with my friends in our boarding house, probably also with some reading and catching up on emails.
The days are definitely busy, but I think as a boarder that all really helps when living away from home for long periods, and I also know there are things I would definitely be missing out on, like being part of a unique boarding community!’ says Victoria.
Victoria's narrative captures the essence of Stonyhurst College's commitment to fostering independent, well-rounded young people. Her experiences, from rigorous academic challenges to enriching extracurricular activities, underscore the school's unique approach to education—blending tradition with innovation, and discipline with freedom. As she and her classmates prepare to move on, they carry with them not only a portfolio of impressive accomplishments but also a sense of belonging to a community that has shaped them profoundly. This is the true success of Stonyhurst: preparing its pupils not just for university, but for life. As Victoria steps into the future, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations at Stonyhurst, proving that the journey here is just as important as the destination.
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