For families living outside of the UK who are seeking a world-class boarding school experience, Stonyhurst offers a blend of tradition, excellence, innovation and opportunity, all in one of the country's most visually stunning locations.
Our 1,000-acre campus is nestled within the picturesque countryside of the Ribble Valley in north west England - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which has inspired many brilliant minds over the years, including famous writers and poets. The surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for learning, personal development, exploration and outdoor pursuits, while enabling a deep connection to nature and a sense of belonging. This is all while remaining within a 1-2-hour drive of the region's major international airports and main train stations, connecting to all areas of the country.
Inspiration continues in many ways inside the walls of the historic Stonyhurst buildings, dating back to the late-18th century when the school was developed from the original Stonyhurst Hall after being offered as a refuge for those fleeing the advancing French Revolutionary Army at our original site in St Omers in 1794.
The journey of our extraordinary history is documented in our award-winning, on-site museum and archives, now recognised as the oldest museum in the English-speaking world, housing a collection of over 100,000 artefacts, manuscripts and historical books. Pupils are able to access this unique resource as part of their curriculum, where many items are used as prompts for learning and transforming their understanding of many different subjects, along with a deeper appreciation for history and culture.
There aren't many schools, after all, where you can handle dinosaur fossils and a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and get up close to the Holy Thorn that is believed to be part of the actual Crown placed on Christ’s head, and Henry VII's Cloth of Gold Cope.
Central to our curriculum, however, as well as all aspects of life at Stonyhurst, are the values that form the Jesuit Profile. As the oldest continually active Jesuit school in the world, instilling these values such as curiosity and compassion, upholds not only our traditions of academic rigour and spiritual growth, but also looking forward and preparing each of our pupils to become thoughtful leaders, equipped to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and wisdom, and create positive change as 'men and women for others'. Read more about Chaplaincy at Stonyhurst.
The Jesuit Profile goes hand-in-hand with academic excellence, and in particular one of our Higher Line (Sixth Form) routes of study which has seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years. Our IB Diploma programme has been running since 2013, providing a broad pathway for individuals and their learning styles, while also challenging pupils to excel in their studies and personal growth.
Recent results place us as the top-performing IB Sixth Form in the north of England, with results consistently above the worldwide average. This means our pupils have the best chance of standing out from the sea of other applicants when applying for university and future employment, with the IB increasingly recognised for cultivating valuable life-long skills, including communication, critical thinking and research.
Beyond the classroom, there is a diverse range of co-curricular activities available, catering to many passions and interests. From sport, CCF and fencing, to music, astronomy, drone racing and Model United Nations, pupils are encouraged to explore their talents, broaden their horizons, and forge lifelong friendships in the process. Apart from the enjoyment that this side of school life brings, co-curricular helps to strengthen a sense of community amongst pupils, especially those living far from home, ensuring they are kept busy by having fun with their friends.
Scholarships are also available to those with exceptional talent and potential in drama, music, sport and academia, with each designed as an enriched pathway to support professional career aspirations. Our facilities, experienced teaching staff and industry connections mean that every scholar has the core foundations to succeed in their specialism, as we have seen with many successful OS throughout our 400-year history.
At Stonyhurst College, excellence is not just a goal; it's a way of life. For international families seeking an unparalleled educational experience, Stonyhurst stands as a beacon of opportunity, where students thrive academically, socially, and spiritually, ready to confidently embrace the challenges of tomorrow as knowledgeable, well-rounded individuals.
Find out more at an Open Event, either virtually or in-person, or arrange a private visit at a time that suits you and your family.