Stonyhurst College named Best Senior School for Boarding in The Week Independent Schools Guide
Stonyhurst College is proud to announce that it has been recognised as the Best of the Best Senior School: Best for Boarding in the Autumn/Winter 2025 edition of The Week Independent Schools Guide.
The accolade celebrates the College’s outstanding boarding provision, which is rooted in Jesuit values of care and community. With a family-like atmosphere and exceptional pastoral care, boarding at Stonyhurst provides a true home from home, enabling pupils to thrive and be the best they can be.
Boarders at Stonyhurst call one of the UK’s most breathtaking campuses home. From fishing in the ponds to exploring the iconic Tolkien Trail and surrounding woodlands, pupils live and learn surrounded by nature, with space to play, discover, and grow. The freedom of Stonyhurst’s 1,000-acre estate nurtures independence, curiosity and resilience.
Unlike many independent schools, Stonyhurst offers a primarily horizontal boarding system, where pupils live in year-group houses. This unique approach ensures age-appropriate support, with dedicated boarding staff guiding each pupil through every stage of their school journey. Each house has its own distinctive character, but all share a culture of kindness, trust and fun.
With regular personal tutoring, dedicated evening study sessions, and one-to-one guidance from teachers who spend time in the boarding houses, boarders receive the tailored academic support they need to reach their full potential.
Boarding life is further enriched by long-serving and inspirational Houseparents and Playroom Leaders, who embody dedication, care and commitment to our boarders. Their deep understanding of the school’s ethos, combined with unwavering support, ensures our pupils feel seen, heard and valued at all ages.
The College also leads the way in pupil wellbeing. As a Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) certified Sleep Champion school, Stonyhurst has transformed boarding routines and spaces to promote healthier sleep habits. Through sleep stations, one-to-one guidance and pupil workshops, the initiative is helping our young people improve their wellbeing, resilience and academic performance.
With outstanding care, strong relationships, and a joyful, supportive environment, boarding at Stonyhurst is more than a place to stay – it is a place to thrive.
John Browne, Headmaster of Stonyhurst, said:
"We are delighted to be recognised as Best for Boarding by The Week Independent Schools Guide. This award is a testament to the dedication of our boarding staff, who go above and beyond to ensure every child feels cared for, supported and inspired during their time at Stonyhurst."
The full feature was published in The Week Independent Schools Guide on Saturday 6 September 2025.
To see Stonyhurst boarding life for yourself, visit our upcoming Open Events. Tour our boarding houses, meet current pupils and staff, and experience firsthand the welcoming, supportive community that makes Stonyhurst such a special place. Register here to secure your place.
