Academic Departments
Academic excellence
Stonyhurst has an outstanding academic record, with many of our pupils going on to top universities in the UK, Europe and around the world; a significant number gain places at Oxford or Cambridge each year. All pupils, whatever their particular strengths, are helped to achieve their full academic potential.
Broad curriculum allows students to follow their interests. Psychology A level recently introduced. Languages are strong; around 75 per cent take two languages at GCSE, 14 per cent at A level. The IB is predominantly taken by international students, but popularity is steadily increasing.
Good Schools Guide
Take the next step
We would love to welcome you and your child to the Stonyhurst family. Our Virtual Private Visits are your opportunity to find out more about Stonyhurst College.
A supportive and exciting curriculum
Teaching at Stonyhurst centres on the individual and encourages pupils to study independently, and to think for themselves – a vital preparation for university. We offer a choice of three routes for Sixth Form (Higher Line) pupils – A Level, IB Diploma or the IB Career Related Programme. Small classes and exceptionally good teacher-pupil relationships enable pupils to learn at their own pace, developing their talents to the full.
What subjects do we offer?
Art
We thrive on exploring creativity.
Biology
Biology is the study of Life.
Business
Creating business leaders of the future.
Chemistry
Chemistry provides pupils with a framework for understanding much of the world around them.
Classics
Learn the Classics: Greek and Latin.
Computing
Harnessing the power of information technology.
Drama
Incredible opportunities within the Performing Arts.
Economics
The critical consideration of economic problems and issues.
English
Cultural literacy and sophisticated communication skills.
English as an Additional Language
English language tuition for pupils whose first language is not English.
French
Write and converse in the beautiful language of French.
Geography
Geographical study involves the synthesis of facts, figures, ideas and perspectives.
German
A taste of German culture brings language learning to life.
History
Engendering a love for the study of the past.
Mathematics
Teaching logical thinking, a systematic approach to tasks and problem solving.
Music
Learn new skills, discover new styles and have the opportunity to write your own pieces
Philosophy
Philosophy is at the heart of every subject exploring the fundamental questions that people have asked since the beginning of time.
Physical Education
The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for pupils.
Physics
The broadest of the sciences which has a wide range of applications that go beyond the obvious.
Psychology
Available in Sixth Form only. A popular and fascinating branch of science, which studies human behaviour from a range of different approaches.
Religious Studies
Exploring fundamental questions.
Spanish
The subject is taught through a variety of activities and challenges.
Learning Support
Stonyhurst are committed to providing the best possible support to young people.
If pupils feel they need to brush up on an aspect of the curriculum, the evening subject drop in clinics do the trick. Or as the head puts it, if the target grades are down, then a clinic ‘becomes a priority’.