Rhetoric 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 the boarding house
Click the links below to explore Syntax girls' boarding house through our 360° Virtual Tour.
Explore the Boarding House Common Room
Explore the Boarding House Kitchen
Explore the Boarding House Bedroom
Our daily routine
Boarders register between 7:40am and 08:00 before breakfast (except Sundays), and tutor time, congregational singing or assemblies follow at 8:30am. Lessons run from 9:00am until 5:15pm, although girls can 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. Dinner takes place from 5:45pm to 7:00pm and then evening studies and extra-curricular activities run from 7:15pm to 8:45pm. The girls can then have some free time until their curfew at 10:15pm and goodnights at 10:45pm.
Evenings & weekends
Evening activities vary from day to day but include more than 75 different clubs, societies and activities alongside time for studies. Rhetoricians are involved in the whole school production, leading the pupil body as members of the school committee, orchestra and choir members, hockey team players, society members, etc. They also join sport activities such as badminton, exercising in the gym and swimming in the sports centre. Before going to bed they gather in the kitchen area, prepare some snacks and warm drinks while they socialise and relax.
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 fulfil their needs and take care of themselves depending on the circumstances, 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 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 Girls House
Mrs Alice Addison
Houseparent - Higher Line Girls
Mr Edward Allanson
Assistant Head - Higher Line
Mrs Ruth Crossley
Deputy House Parent - Higher Line Girls, Head of Geography, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Miss Laura Edwards
Houseparent - Higher Line Girls
Miss Lucie Guest
Assistant Houseparent - Higher Line Girls
Excellent pastoral care and the excellent boarding experience further contribute to pupil’s resilience and independence
ISI Report