Poetry Girls Boarding House
The Girls House
Rhetoric (Year 13) girls board with Poetry (Year 12) girls in single rooms with shared facilities. This girl's boarding house is the largest boarding house at Stonyhurst, both physically and in the number of boarders and covers the third floor of New Wing, Shirk, and the third floor above the Front Quad.
Ethos
Rhetoric and Poetry girl's boarding house is a home away from home, where girls are listened to and supported. They join in Year 12 and our aim is to guide them towards becoming the best version of themselves when they leave at the end of Year 13. At Stonyhurst we have a domestic and international cohort of boarders, and this house offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which our girls can work and play. Boarders in this house are encouraged to work hard, support each other, and be on time.
About the House Parent
Together, Laura Edwards and Alice Addison lead the Higher Line Girls’ Boarding House, combining their experience and complementary strengths to provide a nurturing, balanced, and inspiring home-from-home for senior pupils.
Laura Edwards has been part of the Stonyhurst boarding team since 2023. She brings with her many years of experience in pastoral education across the UK and is known for creating a calm, supportive environment where pupils feel safe, heard, and encouraged to grow.
Her interest in yoga and mindfulness plays a central role in promoting well-being within the house, helping pupils to manage stress and build resilience. Adding to the warm and homely atmosphere is her fun-loving cocker spaniel, Ludo, who is a familiar and comforting presence in Higher Line.
Laura is committed to ensuring that every pupil in her care flourishes both academically and personally, and she takes great pride in supporting them through these important senior years.
Alice Addison joined the Higher Line Girls’ Boarding House in 2024, where she lives with her husband, Robin, their two young children, Elijah and Hayden, and their cocker spaniel, Brecon.
Alongside her Houseparent role, Alice teaches Music to Figures and Rudiments and supports the co-curricular life of the College through her involvement with the Rock Bands, the Jazzuits, and the CCF.
Alice has worked in boarding schools throughout her teaching career, holding a range of senior roles including Head of Boarding at New Hall School and Assistant Head Pastoral at Oswestry School. She brings this breadth of experience to Stonyhurst, where she is dedicated to providing a supportive, structured, and enriching environment for pupils in her care.
Explore a boarding house
Click the links below to explore Syntax girls' boarding house through our 360° Virtual Tour.
Explore a Boarding House Common Room
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Explore a Boarding House Bedroom
Our daily routine
Boarders register between 7:40am and 08:00 before breakfast (except Sundays), and tutor time or assemblies follow at 8:30am. Lessons run from 9:00am until 5:15pm, although girls often return to their rooms during the day to study if they are between classes, or call in to see the House Parent office for a chat. Supper follows, and then evening studies and extra-curricular activities run from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. The girls can then have some free time until their curfew at 10:00pm and goodnights at 10:30pm.
Evenings & weekends
Evening activities vary from day to day but include 75 different clubs and activities alongside time for prep and studies. These include golf, photography, dance, debating, orchestra, scuba, charities and management groups. Weekend activities vary from week to week but include movies, theatre going, going to watch football matches, shopping, playing sport, visiting the Trafford Centre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and fishing in the Hodder River and many more.
In the evening some girls like to socialise in the Higher Line (Sixth Form) Coffee Room, whereas others will watch a movie or listen to music with friends in the boarding area. At weekends, some like to go on an organised trip, or spend their time studying or relaxing. Girls are encouraged to do what they need to or want to, depending on how they feel, and whether exam season is looming. Free time is invariably spent with friends, either relaxing or working together. Some like to cook food for themselves and their friends, whilst other might go for a run or use the onsite gym. Boarders in Poetry have the opportunity to go into the local village on Saturday afternoons or into the local town of Clitheroe, which many enjoy.
Key Contacts for Poetry Girls House
Mr Edward Allanson
Assistant Head - Higher Line
Mrs Alice Addison
Houseparent - Higher Line Girls
Miss Laura Edwards
Houseparent - Higher Line Girls
Miss Lucie Guest
Assistant Houseparent - Higher Line Girls
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 Report