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 Boys' House Parent

Together with his highly experienced Deputy, Josh Longson looks after the boarders in the Rhetoric Boarding House. Josh has been at Stonyhurst for four years, having joined as a Sports Graduate. Josh was a Deputy House Parent for one year before becoming House Parent for Higher Line boys, which he has now been leading for two years. 

Josh lives in the Rhetoric Boys Boarding House with his partner Lauren Banks. Lauren is a former employee of Stonyhurst and is familiar with many of the boarders from her time working in boarding at St Mary's Hall, the Prep School for Stonyhurst College.

In addition to his duties as Houseparent, Josh is the Head of Physical Education, leads the coaching for the under 14's rugby team and is Master in Charge of Tennis during the summer, as well as being the Head of Line for Campion during the competitive line competition. Josh's main hobby is fitness, and he has recently found a love for running and enjoys playing rugby, for which he plays for Preston Grasshoppers. He enjoys musicals, reading, podcasts and cooking...a relatively simple life! His main dislikes are people being untidy and slow walkers. 

Tim Strain is the Deputy House Parent for Rhetoric Boys and has been at Stonyhurst for over 20 years and is highly experienced in boarding. Previously, Tim was Playroom Master for Rhetoric, whilst teaching Business and Economics. Tim lives with his wife, Maggie Strain, who is the House Parent of Syntax and Poetry girls.

 

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

Visit virtual tour

 

Explore a Boarding House Kitchen

Visit virtual tour

 

Explore a Boarding House Bedroom

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Boys boarding staircase

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 Josh Longson

House Parent (Boys) - Rhetoric Boys

Mr Manuel Romero

Assistant Houseparent - Rhetoric Boys

 

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