Why choose weekly boarding?

Stonyhurst attracts pupils from around the globe, including places like Mexico, Madrid, and Hong Kong, who integrate seamlessly with the flexi, occasional and weekly boarders throughout the week, creating a diverse and vibrant community.

For local families, the school provides the opportunity to send their children to a globally diverse environment with a strong family identity and an extensive alumni network. With over 32 nationalities represented, Stonyhurst’s community allows pupils to form lifelong connections that span the globe, offering access to future travel and international opportunities while fostering a truly global perspective.

flexi, occasional and weekly boarders benefit from structured study sessions and evening academic clinics, where they receive additional support and guidance from teachers. Teachers also spend time in the boarding houses in the evenings which helps with additional support.

This focused environment not only helps them stay on top of their studies but also leads to stronger academic results. With fewer distractions than those who commute, flexi, occasional and weekly have more time to focus on their academic growth and consistently achieve higher grades.

Flexi, occasional and weekly boarders enjoy a well-balanced lifestyle, focusing on their studies during the week without distractions, and returning home on weekends for meaningful family time. With their schoolwork completed, they can fully unwind and make the most of quality time with parents, fostering deeper, more positive relationships free from the worry of unfinished tasks and weekday pressures.

For parents who are concerned about maintaining a supportive, structured environment while their children are away from home, flexi, occasional and weekly boarding at Stonyhurst provides a perfect balance.

Houseparents are at the heart of this support system, offering a nurturing and consistent parental presence that ensures pupils thrive both academically and personally. They play an essential role in guiding pupils through daily life, helping them manage their routines, build friendships, and overcome academic challenges.

Flexi, occasional and weekly boarding at Stonyhurst offers more than just academics; it helps prepare young people for the challenges of the wider world. Living on campus teaches pupils essential life skills such as time management, cooking, and structuring their day, while also fostering important qualities like understanding, kindness, and empathy. In this close-knit, diverse community, pupils learn to navigate social situations, understand others, and cultivate compassion.

Boarding at Stonyhurst provides a true home-from-home experience, where pupils live together in an environment that celebrates diversity, promotes tolerance, and upholds an ethical and spiritual core, equipping them with the interpersonal skills needed to face life’s challenges with resilience and grace.

Sixth Form flexi, occasional and weekly boarders, in particular, enjoy exclusive evening access to the More Library and Historic Libraries, which house over 125,000 artefacts and historical books. This gives pupils the unique opportunity to engage with primary sources during evening study sessions, offering a taste of real-world university life. Additionally, the Sixth Form boarding experience includes evening access to the gym and the Health and Conditioning suite, further enriching their time on campus.

Additional to the boarding experience, Stonyhurst's recent £400,000 investment has transformed the Sixth Form experience, creating dynamic new spaces for Year 12 and Year 13 pupils. The Poetry and Rhetoric Playrooms are bright, contemporary, and designed to mirror modern work environments, promoting study and interaction. Another addition includes the Unicorn Coffee Shop, offering inclusive dining and a unique opportunity for pupils to gain practical business experience by managing suppliers and operations—bridging real-world learning with their curriculum.

Many boarding houses have recently undergone extensive renovations as part of a £400,000 investment into the school, enhancing the overall boarding experience. This investment continues into the 2024/25 academic year enhancing the pupil experience.

All boarders can also take advantage of early morning activities, including 6am circuit training sessions and 7am swims in the on-site 25-metre pool—opportunities that would be difficult to access without staying on-site. In the evenings, boarders can also participate in a range of cultural societies, adding to the well-rounded and enriching boarding experience.

Additionally, Stonyhurst offers more than 75 co-curricular activities for all pupils, ranging from fishing, astronomy, fencing and drone racing to music, drama, and academic clubs, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to explore their interests and develop new skills outside the classroom.