NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the HeadMaster
Dear Stonyhurst Families
It has been an absolute delight to welcome back our pupils this week. The weather has been mostly kind to us and today Stonyhurst looks radiant in the autumn sunshine. We welcomed all new families in St Peter’s on Monday and it was wonderful to see the church full to capacity with families from most continents on the globe and representing all 27 nationalities we have in the College this year.
On Monday, after unpacking, new pupils acclimatised to their new playrooms and houses, and started to orientate themselves around the College meeting new friends and finding their classrooms along the way. On Tuesday, the entire College went off to different activity centres in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria to kayak, climb, shoot and undertake team- building activities Our Rhetoricians stayed on-site to develop their leadership skills and to take part in a Dragons’ Den activity. Wednesday was dedicated to the co-curriculum and all pupils experienced the Co-curricular Fair, led by Rhetoric, and signed up their activities, as well as having their first games session On Thursday we had Ascensio Scholarum Mass Before Mass begins, everyone playroom physically moves to their new seating position, getting further towards the entrance of the church as they move up the school. It is very moving to literally witness the progress of the pupils on their Stonyhurst journeys. The school was in strong voice as we came together to celebrate Mass before finally beginning the much- anticipated lessons.
We are very excited about the term ahead and all the opportunities this will bring. Pupils have been told so often this week that Stonyhurst is all about Quant Je Puis, giving as much as one can. As I said at Ascensio on Thursday, it is about accepting the dare, the dare to dream and to go beyond what was initially thought possible.
Have a wonderful weekend,
A Joyful Start to the new academic year
It was a true pleasure to welcome both new and familiar faces to the College on Monday as we began the new academic year The corridors were alive with the sounds of greetings, the rolling of suitcases, and the joyful reunions of friends after the summer break.
A very special welcome goes to our new boarders, pupils, and families joining us for the first time – it was truly wonderful to meet you all. We are delighted to have you as part of our community and look forward to getting to know you in the weeks ahead.
We are especially grateful to our Rhetoricians, who offered such warm and thoughtful support throughout the day. Thank you for helping everyone settle in and for showing new pupils and families around with such care and kindness Your leadership and generosity of spirit set the tone for a welcoming and supportive start to the year.
To our returning pupils and families – welcome back! We hope your summer was filled with rest, adventure, and good memories It was heartening to see the College come to life once again as familiar faces returned, ready to embrace the year ahead.
With the energy and enthusiasm already shown this week, we are looking forward to an exciting, enriching, and memorable year together.
Ascensio Scholarum
On Thursday morning, the Stonyhurst community gathered in St Peter’s Church for the Ascensio Scholarum Mass - the traditional service marking the beginning of the Christmas Term
Ascensio Scholarum (the ascension of the scholars) is the name given to the school assembly that begins each academic year before our Opening Mass. Historically, pupils would return to their old classrooms until the Prefect of Studies declared, “Rhetoric is empty!” One by one, each Playroom would move up, symbolising the start of a new school year
At Thursday’s Mass, Headmaster John Browne shared a remarkable piece from our Museum & Collections: the first Stonyhurst register, dated 1794. This powerful reminder of our Jesuit heritage links today’s pupils with generations before them, reaching back to our foundation in 1593
As we begin this new term, we pray for the courage to live out our values of Quant Je Puis - “as much as I can” - and in the Ignatian tradition, to set the world on fire.
Building Bonds and Making Memories: A Great Start to the New Term
On Tuesday Figures to Poetry spent the day off site with their Playrooms. Our pupils got to visit different activity centres in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria to kayak, climb, shoot and undertake team-building activities.
It was great to see the pupils, new and returning, bond together during their team building activities The day was filled with laughter, collaboration, and plenty of opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zones and get to know one another. From problem-solving challenges to outdoor group games, everyone played a part in creating an atmosphere of inclusion and friendship. By the end of the day, the pupils returned to college in the evening with big smiles and lots of new memories made. It was a fantastic way to kick off the term, setting the tone for a supportive and connected year ahead
Rhetoric Enterprise Day
On Tuesday 2nd September whilst other playrooms were exploring the great outdoors. Rhetoric playroom took part in an enterprise day, the brief being that they had to produce a new product from recycled materials. They were divided into teams and each had specific roles, including project manager, finance director and design assistants. They then had to present their product to the ‘Dragons’. All pupils rose to the challenge and it was amazing to see the varied ideas that were created, ranging from recycled water slides to recycled oil barrel seating!
A fantastic day had by all, with the winners winning unicorn vouchers!
The Ambulacrum came alive on Wednesday this week, with clubs, societies and sports at our annual Co-curricular Fayre. From Rocketry to Rugby. Photography to Philosophy, pupils explored the wide range of opportunities on offer beyond the classroom
Thank you to all staff and pupils who showcased their passions with such creativity and enthusiasm - we can’t wait to see where these new journeys lead.
cO-CURRICULAR Fayre
Master Your Mind and Unlock your potential
Our Syntax and Rhetoric pupils started the year with an inspiring workshop led by Elena Campbell, founder of the International Education Group. Her session, ‘Master Your Mind and Unlock Your Potential’, explored the challenges of executive dysfunction - from procrastination and distraction to the anxiety that followsand gave pupils practical strategies to break these cycles.
Equipped with new tools to take control of their learning, our senior pupils left feeling empowered to face their final terms with confidence, resilience and focus as they prepare for exams and the challenges ahead
Stonyhurst College Committee for 2025-26
Following the Headmaster’s announcement last term, I am delighted to reintroduce the Committee for the new academic year. These pupils have been selected to serve as leaders within our Stonyhurst community, and we are confident they will continue to set an excellent example for others.
Our Heads of Line are - Harriet and Ludwig
Our Deputy Heads of Line are - Clare and Morgan
They have already made an excellent start to the term, showing great energy, responsibility, and care in their roles. From welcoming new pupils to supporting daily life across the College, they have stepped into their positions with purpose and commitment
We look forward to seeing how they continue to be leaders who serve, support, and represent the community with integrity and enthusiasm throughout the year ahead.
‘The Stonyhurstian’
We’re excited to share that Stonyhurst College is launching a brand-new school newspaper ‘The Stonyhurstian’ - a professionally designed, beautifully produced publication that will be shared both in print and digitally with our whole school community.
The newspaper will celebrate the life of the school through stories, photos, and achievements from across all Playrooms - offering an authentic, engaging snapshot of what makes Stonyhurst so special.
Our newspaper is produced in partnership with TimesEd Ltd, who work with leading independent schools across the country. Known for their high-quality design and personal approach, they ensure everything is handled professionally and with care.
We look forward to sharing the first edition with you in the new academic year
Results
We are proud to celebrate another year of exceptional results at Stonyhurst Below you will see some of our amazing results with links to take you to the Stonyhurst website for further information:
GCSE - 13% of grades awarded at the top grade 9 - more than double the national average.
CTECH - 100% achieving D*D or higher (equivalent to A*A at A Level)
A Level - 81% of all grades were A* -B, with over half at A*/A Nearly one in five grades were awarded at A*, more than double the national average. We are also delighted that 91% of pupils secured their firm or insurance university choice, with 68% progressing to Russell Group universities.
IB - This year, our pupils achieved an average 33 points, outperforming the global average of 30
These results reflect the determination and talent of our pupils, and embody the Stonyhurst ethos Quant Je Puis - “as much as I can ”
Oxford Organ Scholar
We are delighted that Sebastian OS 2025 is heading to Trinity College, Oxford as their Organ Scholar! He achieved three A*s at A level and a distinction in Grade 8 Organ.
Stonyhurst has a number of organs which are available to students to practise on without booking most of the day and evening. This includes a remarkable 2-manual Lammermuir in the Top Ref, a really outstanding instrument for practice and recitals
If anyone with good piano skills would like a trial lesson on the organ, please contact our organ teacher, Mr Murray, at m murray@stonyhurst ac uk
Polite Reminders For the New Academic Year
School Registration and Attendance
Gentle reminder to parents to email registration@stonyhurst ac uk to notify of absences before 8:30am on each morning of absence. If you experience any difficulties with attendance, talk to us as a first step so that we can help.
To help your child do well in school:
Arrange family holidays/ leave of absence to coincide with school holidays wherever possible
Avoid time off when there are important examinations or tests in school
Ask the school for permission in advance
Be aware of the potential impact time off may have on your child's education
Useful Links:
Advice taken from LCC School Attendance web page
Attendance Policy
Campus Speed Limits
A gentle reminder that the speed limit for vehicles on campus is 10mph. Ideally this should be treated as maximum rather than a target speed.
Additionally, the speed humps on the road network across the campus are placed to encourage road users to reduce their speed below the maximum.
Key Dates this term
Pupil Only Events:
Individual Pupil Photographs - Saturday 6th September Poetry Barn
Dance - Saturday 6th September
Whole College Photographs - Friday 26th September
Half Term - Saturday 18th October to Monday 3rd November
Slow Down Saturday - Saturday 15th November
Red Wednesday - Wednesday 19th November
Campion Day - Monday 1st December
Stonyhurst Family Events:
Rhetoric Parents’ Weekend - Friday 26th September to Saturday 27th September
Higher Line Open Evening - Thursday 9th October
Puddings and Performances - Friday 10th October
Choral Vespers - Friday 17th October
Fireworks Evening - Wednesday 5th November
Lower Grammar Parents’ Weekend - Friday 21st November to Saturday 22nd November
Figures Parents’ Weekend - Friday 5th December to Saturday 6th December
Farm St Carol Concert - Tuesday 9th December
Carol Service - Wednesday 10th December
Winter Ball (Parents Only) - Wednesday 10th December - tickets will be released shortly
