Boarding
Boarding at Stonyhurst: A Global Home for Personal Growth
At Stonyhurst, boarding is more than a tradition – it is a transformative, values-led experience that prepares young people from across the world to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
As the UK’s oldest Jesuit school, Stonyhurst offers a uniquely global education in the heart of the English countryside. Pupils aged 13 to 18 join us from 34 countries, creating a vibrant, international community built on shared values and mutual respect.
Which boarding options are available?
Stonyhurst offers tailored boarding options to suit every family’s needs.
- Occasional boarding: the odd night throughout the year, on an ad hoc basis.
- Flexible boarding: pre-determined nights for the whole term or year.
- Weekly boarding: Sunday-Friday nights, home on Saturday night.
- Full boarding: boarding from Monday-Sunday each week and returning home during holidays.
Why Board at Stonyhurst?
A Global Community, Rooted in Jesuit Values
Boarding at Stonyhurst is shaped by cura personalis – care for the whole person. Our boarders are known, supported, and inspired by a dedicated team of house staff, tutors, and mentors. Pupils live and learn in an environment that encourages reflection, service, leadership, and integrity.
Boarding That Reflects the Needs of Modern Families
We offer both full and weekly boarding, with six boarding houses and age-based “Playrooms” that provide structure, support, and community. For international families, our boarding model offers an immersive British experience with outstanding pastoral care and academic continuity.
Academic Excellence and Individual Support
With access to the IB Diploma, A Levels, and GCSEs, alongside small class sizes and structured evening prep, boarders are academically challenged and supported. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support ensures non-native speakers settle quickly and confidently into school life.
Our Boarding Structure: Community, Continuity, Care
Boarders live in one of six boarding houses, arranged by gender and age. Each house has its own identity and sense of family, led by experienced houseparents who provide daily pastoral care and a strong sense of belonging.
In addition, pupils are grouped into year-based Playrooms – a distinctive Jesuit structure that guides academic, co-curricular and spiritual development. Each Playroom is overseen by a Playroom Leader, who has a holistic view of every pupil’s progress and wellbeing.
To support mentoring and connection across year groups, every pupil also belongs to a Line Family – a Stonyhurst tradition that brings together older and younger pupils for shared experiences, guidance and companionship.
This threefold structure – House, Playroom and Line Family – ensures that every pupil is nurtured, known and encouraged to flourish.
A 7-day-a-week boarding school
Stonyhurst is proud to be a full seven-day-a-week boarding school – one of a select number of UK schools to maintain this enriching model.
Unlike schools where pupils leave for the weekend, our boarders enjoy a structured and engaging experience every day of the week. This is especially valued by international families, ensuring continuous care, community, and academic progress.
-
Saturday School offers structured academic learning in the morning, followed by sports and co-curricular activities in the afternoon.
-
Sunday brings time for worship, relaxation, cultural trips, and house-based activities.
-
This model fosters stability, friendships, and a shared rhythm of life that is deeply formative.
Supporting International Families
From initial enquiry through to arrival, Stonyhurst offers tailored support for families relocating from overseas. Our experienced Admissions and Pastoral teams assist with:
-
UK visas and sponsorship (CAS)
-
Airport transfers and guardianship guidance
-
Cultural transition and language support
-
Personalised pathways for academic integration
With pupils from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and beyond, we understand the unique needs of international boarders – and are proud to offer a school community where they are welcomed, celebrated, and empowered to succeed.
Learn more about our Boarding Houses
Year 9 Boarding
Year 10 Boarding
Year 11 Boarding
Year 12 Boarding
Year 13 Boarding
Boarders said that they enjoyed being part of the school community and its close family atmosphere. Boarders of all ages and nationalities are supportive of each other, within a harmonious community.
ISI Inspection Report
Explore a Boarding House through our 360° Virtual Tour
Common Room
Kitchen Space
Bedrooms
Officially Recognised as Sleep Champions by BSA Boarding!
Our incredible Wellbeing Team has been working tirelessly, and it has paid off! We are officially recognised as Sleep Champions by The Boarding Schools' Association.
This recognition celebrates our commitment to improving sleep and wellbeing for our boarders, and we are not stopping here. In 2026, we will be launching Sleep Stations around the boarding house—calm, restful areas designed to support better rest, all in line with expert guidance and BSA standards.
Stonyhurst College has been named Best Senior School for Boarding in The Week Independent Schools Guide
This accolade celebrates our outstanding boarding provision, rooted in Jesuit values of care, community, and a true home-from-home experience.
Excellent pastoral care and the excellent boarding experience further contribute to pupil’s resilience and independence.
IS Report 2016