NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Senior Deputy Head
Dear Stonyhurst Families
We have had some beautiful January bright sunny days, which we have been really appreciating due to the shortness of the days at this time of year. It has not deterred lots of sports and outdoor activities taking place which has been wonderful to see. We are all greatly anticipating the Lancashire Cup Final for our 1 XV on 28 January. st th
Yesterday and today, we have welcomed Rudiments' families for the recital and parents' conferences. It is always very uplifting not just to witness the talent and confidence of the individual performers, but also to see the whole Playroom sing together, as singing is so integral to Stonyhurst. We hope all Rudiments families found the weekend to be useful and enjoyable.
We have been talking to the pupils about the importance of pupil voice in helping to make the school as good as it can be. Also incredibly important is parent voice. Please do continue to get in touch with any feedback. There will be an opportunity to express views on many facets of our Stonyhurst provision in our annual survey coming out at the end of January.
Syntax and Rhetoric have been working incredibly hard for their mock exams and will get a well-earned rest at the weekend. To mark the end of their exams, Syntax will move to their blue and black blazers, and all of Higher Line plus Syntax are invited to a black tie ceilidh. This will celebrate our Scottish connections, but also be a chance to have fun at the end of an intense two weeks.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend and week ahead,
With best wishes
Alice McNeill
Academic Colours
We are proud to recognise a new group of pupils awarded Academic Colours – the highest academic honour at Stonyhurst.
Academic Colours are awarded to Higher Line pupils achieving an average of 38+ IB points or an average A grade or higher at A level or CTEC.
Congratulations to all those recognised - your dedication and intellectual curiosity set a powerful example for our community.
Stonyhurst Next Innings –
Fundraising
for the Stonyhurst Cricket Pavilion
The Stonyhurst Cricket Pavilion has been a beacon on the Stonyhurst Estate for over 130 years. It is the focal point for key events; it stands up to the incoming snow from Pendle Hill and provides welcome shelter against the Ribble Valley weather. It continues to play a part in key Stonyhurst moments for pupils, OS and staff.
After generations of cricketers using the Pavilion, suffering the piercing grip of boot spikes, and standing strong against the Ribble Valley weather, we were planning to refurbish the Pavilion. However, last summer, the need became more urgent as it suffered two arson attacks – seeing smoke coming out of its beautiful windows was heart wrenching to say the least. It is thanks to the quick action of the Lancashire Fire Brigade that the building was saved and that we can restore it to its former glory for future generations of cricketers to walk those steps and take to the field.
If you would like to support this fundraising initiative, we would be most grateful. Please contact the Development Office or visit our web page here.
Stonyhurst Chaplaincy
We are looking forward to a busy term ahead in Chaplaincy with the preparation of our Confirmation pupils, Lenten events, a new co-curricular opportunity and all our usual prayer and liturgy offerings.
The Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, will confer this Sacrament on the pupils at our 11am Mass on Sunday 26 April 2026. th Sacrament of Confirmation
Pupils in Grammar Playroom and above will have the opportunity to join a programme next half term to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Claver Group
The newly founded Claver Group is a co-curricular opportunity for pupils to be involved in charitable endeavours at the College. Pupils will have the opportunity to work on fundraising and awareness-raising events, become school ambassadors for the international Catholic charity, Caritas, receive training from the charity, Citizens UK, and complete the Catholic Church in England and Wales' Faith in Action award.
Please do encourage your child to consider joining this exciting co-curricular.
The Arrupe Programme
The Arrupe programme is our longest standing social justice programme, encouraging pupils to grow in the virtues of the Jesuit Profile and become people for others. Here are some extracts from pupil reflections on their involvement in the projects last term:
"This taught me that I want to be someone who stands up for the marginalised and give [a] voice to the people who have no voice. I want to be someone who works towards making the world a place that is fair and just and I also want to be someone who doesn't just make changes that benefit me but changes that benefit almost everyone especially the less privileged."
"At first, I felt unsure about how to interact with the children, but recently I’ve started to understand what makes [the pupil I am helping] happy… Seeing how excited he gets has taught me that compassion comes from noticing small details and doing something about them. I want to be someone who pays attention and makes others feel happy."
Stonyhurst Sport
Netball Match Report
What a fantastic start to 2026! We kicked off the netball season with a bang as 9 teams represented the College against Sedbergh School yesterday. A tremendous opening to the season with some great results and plenty of positive performances across the board. Huge thanks to our hosts for a brilliant afternoon of sport! Here’s to an exciting season ahead! QJP.
Rugby News
Congratulations to Joseph on his invitation to attend the England Rugby North U18 Divisional Assessment Day later this month.
This is a significant achievement and a well-deserved recognition of Joseph’s performance, commitment and potential, with the opportunity to progress further along the England Rugby pathway. We wish Joseph every success as he takes his next step.
Upcoming Fixtures
Great Academies
Our Stonyhurst Families are invited to attend this year’s Great Academies celebrations, taking place on Thursday 21 Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May 2026. This special occasion offers a wonderful opportunity for the entire Stonyhurst community to come together, celebrate another full and vibrant year of college life, acknowledge the achievements of our pupils, and bid a fond farewell to our Rhetoricians. st, nd rd
On Friday there will be events taking place for families across every Playroom from sporting events, exhibitions, concerts, and plenty more.
As with last year, arrangements will vary for each Playroom, and a detailed programme of events will be shared with you shortly. The Prizegiving ceremony and Mass for Figures, Rudiments and Lower Grammar will be held on Friday 22nd May. Pupils in these year groups are therefore not required to attend the events on Saturday 23rd, unless they have siblings participating and wish to join their families.
For Grammar, Syntax, Poetry and Rhetoric, Mass and Prizegiving will take place on Saturday morning, and pupils in these Playrooms are expected to attend. Half term will begin for Figures, Rudiments and Lower Grammar on the evening of Friday 22nd May. For Grammar, Syntax, Poetry and Rhetoric, half term will begin at 1pm on Saturday 23rd May.
Further information will follow in due course, including details on how to register for the various events taking place throughout the weekend.
We very much hope you will be able to join us for Great Academies this year, and we look forward to welcoming you over the course of the weekend.
Burns Night
Date | Friday 23 January 2026
Time | 18:45 - 21:30
Venue | Stonyhurst College
Dress Code | Black Tie
Tickets are available to book for pupils via clicking the link
Week Ahead Calendar
The below does not include the sporting fixtures for this week. Please see the Upcoming Fixtures pages for this information