NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Senior Deputy Head
Dear Stonyhurst Families
We are delighted to have the United Nations flag flying over Stonyhurst today as we welcome hundreds of delegates from schools across the country to the annual Stonyhurst Model United Nations Conference. It is wonderful to see how the pupils learn to present, cooperate, collaborate and negotiate - all skills which will serve them well in life.
This week has been a very busy and sociable week at Stonyhurst. We have been delighted to host pupils from Uruguay. Some of them performed for our pupils at an open mic night in the Unicorn. Last night we celebrated Burns Night with a ceilidh in honour of our Scottish connections, including our Stonyhurst tartan kilt which legend has it, can only be worn by a Stonyhurstian or royalty!
Rhetoric and Syntax have finished their mocks and now are receiving feedback and deciding on how best to make progress on the basis of this feedback. Syntax are excitedly looking ahead to Higher Line and have the beginning of Higher Line privileges, including the change of dress code for them from Monday.
We are looking forward to Syntax and Poetry parents' days which are coming up and please look out for further details of Great Academies.
Have a wonderful weekend,
All best wishes
Alice McNeill
Threads of Friendship
Our visiting pupils from Uruguay have been paired with an A level Textiles pupil and are attending lessons together during their time at Stonyhurst.
Using our new Art & Design facilities, they are being introduced to hand-embroidery techniques, a new skill and a memorable part of their experience, as well as an opportunity to share ideas and learn alongside Stonyhurst pupils as part of their exchange visit.
Model United Nations Conference
Our pupils are getting ready for Saturday’s Model United Nations Conference, centred on Unification.
With 12 visiting schools, pupils will represent different countries in a day of debate and diplomacy, alongside a talk from visiting speaker Dominika Lasota OS. Pupils will also be running a tuck shop in support of Caritas, living out our Jesuit ethos of men and women for others.
A brilliant day of collaboration and global thinking ahead!
Lancashire Schools Cup U18 Final
For the third consecutive year, the Stonyhurst College Rugby 1st XV have reached the Lancashire Schools Cup U18 Final, where they will face Scarisbrick Hall.
The final will be played under the lights at Fylde RUFC on Wednesday 28 January, with a 7.00pm kick-off.
We would love to see as many supporters there as possible to cheer the boys on in what promises to be a superb final!
Stonyhurst Sport
Netball Match Report
It’s been an outstanding week of netball for Stonyhurst, with strong wins across multiple age groups: the U15A, 3rd and 1st teams secured home victories against Ampleforth, while the U14A and U14B sides triumphed away, followed by midweek wins for the U14B and U15B teams against Giggleswick. The 4th VII impressed with a 16–5 win in their first-ever fixture, and the U12 and U13 teams showed great resilience in challenging matches against Hulme Grammar. A huge highlight came from the U15s, who delivered a superb 33–21 victory over St Aidan’s Harrogate in the Northern Quarter Final, earning their place in the semi-finals and moving just one win away from the National Finals. The U19s narrowly missed out on progressing in the SIS by only two points after an excellent performance. Well done to all the girls on a fantastic week of netball.
Cross Country
Aloysius House enjoyed an excellent afternoon of competition at Giggleswick on Thursday, with the team delivering a series of impressive performances on a challenging course. Nearly every runner recorded a personal best, reflecting both their hard work in training and their determination on the day.
Two standout results highlighted the strength of the squad: Erin secured a superb 10th place finish out of a field of 93 runners, while Harry produced an outstanding run to place 5th out of 100 competitors. Both achievements underline the growing depth of talent within Aloysius House. It was a fantastic outing for the whole team, and their collective effort and spirit made the event a memorable success.
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.
Week Ahead Calendar
The below does not include the sporting fixtures for this week. Please see the Upcoming Fixtures pages for this information
Monday 26 January th
Tuesday 27 January th
8.30 -9.00
12.10 - 12.45
19.10 - 19.30
New Scholars’ Breakfast
LawSoc Discussion Meeting
SMH Boarders’ Night Prayers
Wednesday 28 January th
All Day
09.00 - 11.00
13.00 - 16.00 17.00 - 22.00
UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge
Chemistry Olympiad
Visit to Carlo Acutis Relics
Lancashire Cup U18 Final at Fylde RFC
Thursday 29 January th
08.30 - 12.45
19.00 - 20.30
Diocesan Schools’ Event for the Relics of St Carlo Acutis Line Competition: Big Sing (Lower Grammar to Rhetoric)
Friday 30 January th
19.10 - 19.25
SMH Boarders’ Night Prayers
Saturday 31 January st
16.15 - 17.15
17.15 - 17.30
19.00 - 20.00
Adoration and Confession
Benediction
Boarding Activity - Roller Disco
Sunday 01 February st
11.00 - 12.00
15.30 - 18.00
Sunday Mass
Optional
Boarding Trips: Ice Hockey Match Blackburn Hawks vs Hull Jets