The term ‘Playroom’ is a long-held tradition at Stonyhurst and is derived from the emphasis on drama within a Jesuit education.

Our recent £400,000 investment has transformed the Sixth Form experience, creating dynamic new spaces for Year 12 and Year 13 pupils. The new Poetry (Year 12) and Rhetoric (Year 13) Playrooms have been designed to encourage study and interaction. The areas are bright and contemporary, thoughtfully designed to reflect the typical working environments of the 21st century.

A global perspective is a defining feature of the school, particularly within Higher Line, where pupils are not only prepared for their next educational or career steps but are empowered to explore opportunities around the world.

One of the expansive new areas is designed to evoke a classic Oxford-style university common room, creating a prestigious yet comfortable environment. It features traditional leather Chesterfields and walls adorned with historic Stonyhurst photographs, while other spaces embrace a more relaxed, contemporary university campus feel.

We offer tailored boarding offers a unique opportunity for pupils to fully immerse themselves in school life while still enjoying family time on weekends. 

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.

Alongside the day benefits of a rigorous academic curriculum and wide-ranging activities, flexi, occasional and weekly boarders experience even more by taking part in additional evening societies, social events, and structured study sessions.

This extended time at school allows for participation in more co-curricular activities, evening events and deeper connections with peers from around the globe and the chance to enjoy the magical moments that happen beyond the regular school day.

Collaboration is key to the new Higher Line zones where pupils and teachers work together, as Assistant Head Edward Allanson explains: “In today’s environment employees or university students may not have their own workspace, they may be ‘hot desking’ so pupils need to be prepared to adapt to different spaces to work effectively.

“The new Higher Line spaces empower pupils to collaborate on various projects in group settings. These distinctive areas foster a sense of independence, distinguishing senior pupils as they take charge of their learning experience.’’

Sixth Form pupils, 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, cultivating a spirit of autonomy in their academic pursuits.

New Sixth Formers joining the College in Year 12, in addition to those who have had the advantage and continuity of a Stonyhurst education from a young age, are offered three different routes of study – as opposed to the traditional single A level route.

Study options include the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, A levels, and the Cambridge Technical Diploma (CTEC) in Sport and Business. 

These three pathways allow for flexibility, allowing for tailored programs that align with each pupil’s learning profile, university goals, and future career aspirations. Depending on the pathway, pupils have a vast choice of 25 subjects to choose from, including innovative options like Psychology and Global Politics.

Pupils can also take advantage of the Extended Project Qualification, adding valuable points to their university application.

“Depending on the year group, around a third to a half of pupils go down the IB route,” explains Mr Allanson.

“It’s an amazing course with a global approach – it is an important part of who we are at Stonyhurst.”

The Class of 2024 achieved an impressive average of 145 UCAS points, which equates to three A grades at A level, highlighting the exceptional academic standards at Stonyhurst.

Stonyhurst pupils benefit from a dedicated Careers department that provides an extensive range of resources and expert advice to help them navigate their future choices. Engaging assemblies are held to explore various career paths and university options, including opportunities at institutions worldwide and apprenticeships. Pupils can access support through initiatives like MedSoc (Medical Society), LawSoc (Law Society), Oxbridge mentors, mock interviews, university visits, and bespoke tutors for personal statement preparation. Stonyhurst’s strong alumni network connects young people with global leaders who offer valuable insights and guidance in their respective fields.

The Careers department at Stonyhurst is an invaluable resource.  In 2022, Stonyhurst was awarded the prestigious national Quality in Careers Standard by Ixion (part of the Shaw Trust Group), recognising our dedication to exceptional career guidance and support in preparing pupils for life beyond school. The Standard is valid for 5 years and fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks for “Good Career Guidance” and complies with the DfE’s Statutory Guidance.

Mr Allanson adds: “We collaborate closely with organisations to stay informed about industry trends, ensuring that our pupils leave Stonyhurst fully prepared for the future.’’

The newly created Higher Line spaces include the Unicorn Coffee Shop, formerly a common room, which has been transformed into an exclusive haven for Sixth Form pupils to relax, socialise, and enjoy snacks or a light lunch—distinct from the main College refectory. This vibrant environment radiates the lively atmosphere of a high street coffee shop and gives pupils the independence to manage their own money.

Next year there will be a unique opportunity for pupils to gain practical business experience by managing suppliers and operations—bridging real-world learning with their curriculum.

Sixth Formers are encouraged to cultivate vital leadership skills through a pupil-led initiative called Stonyhurst Line Families, designed to connect pupils across all year groups. “There is no superiority attached to Higher Line; every pupil is an essential part of the College,” explains Mr. Allanson.

Mentoring and mixing with younger pupils has formed a crucial part of the recent integration of Years 7 and 8 into the main college building – bringing the College in line with other educational settings. The 11 and 12-year-olds, formerly in Stonyhurst’s Prep School, now have dedicated classrooms and Playrooms known as Aloysius House: “The Sixth Formers have played a major part in welcoming Year 7 and 8 pupils to the College, talking them through the way things work."

“For Higher Line, this gives the senior pupils a real sense of supporting the younger ones, a tangible sense of leadership that works on every level.”

Stonyhurst attracts pupils from around the globe, including places like Mexico, Madrid, and Hong Kong, who integrate seamlessly with pupils 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.