Rhetoric Boys Boarding House
The Boys House
Rhetoric (Year 13) boys board in single rooms with ensuite facilities in the Higher Line boys boarding house which they share with Poetry (Year 12)
The boarding house is situated in Weld House, to the left of 'the Lions', and some rooms look over the Avenue, the stunning main driveway to the College. Weld House is very close to the Refectory which is great for quick access at mealtimes!
Ethos
The boarding house is run on respect, for each other and adults, and doing basic things well such as signing in on time, looking smart and being polite to all members of the Stonyhurst community. Whilst relaxed in nature, excellence is encouraged as role models to the rest of the student body.
Excellent pastoral care and the excellent boarding experience further contribute to pupil’s resilience and independence
ISI Report
About the Rhetoric and Poetry (Weld House) Boys' House Parent
Together with her Deputy, Marta looks after the Poetry and Rhetoric boarders in Weld House. She has been Houseparent since September 2021 and lives in the boarding house with her husband, Manuel - Assistant Houseparent for New Wing Higher Line Boys - their young daughter, Alejandra, and their cat, Madrid.
Alongside her Houseparent role, Marta also serves as Senior Houseparent, Boarding Activities Coordinator for off-site activities, and teaches Spanish to Rudiments. She additionally supports Higher Line pupils by providing private speaking exam practice.
With over thirteen years of experience in boarding education, Marta’s career began “by accident” but soon became her passion. She has previously held roles as Houseparent at St Michael’s College in Shropshire, House Leader and Deputy Head of Boarding at CATS Cambridge, and Housemistress at Letovo School in Moscow.
Marta is dedicated to creating a warm, structured, and supportive environment in Weld House, helping senior pupils grow in confidence and independence as they prepare for life beyond Stonyhurst.
Explore a boarding house
Click the links below to explore Rhetoric girls' boarding house through our 360° Virtual Tour.
Explore a Boarding House Common Room
Explore a Boarding House Kitchen
Explore a Boarding House Bedroom
Our daily routine
Boarders register at 8.25am, after breakfast, and tutor time or assemblies follow at 8:30am. Lessons run from 9:00am until 5:15pm, although boys have the option to 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 run from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. The boys 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 boys 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, boarders enjoy a wide range of activities and various trips are organised such as shopping trips, paintballing, go-karting and more. Use of free time varies from boarder to boarder, some enjoy using the vast amount of outdoor space on their doorstep and others will use free time for studies, some like to cook food for themselves and their friends, whilst other might go for a run or use the onsite gym. Boarders may choose to relax at the weekend, particularly after our Sunday Mass and breakfast brunch. Boarders in Rhetoric 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 Rhetoric Boys House
Mr Edward Allanson
Assistant Head - Higher Line
Mr Flynn Faulkner-Porter
Assistant Houseparent - Weld Boys
Mrs Marta Gallego
Houseparent - Weld Boys
Mr Simon Murphy
Deputy House Parent - Weld Boys