NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Senior Deputy Head
Dear Stonyhurst Families
Following on from the success of Stonyhurst Model United Nations at the weekend, we reflected on the importance of international cooperation on Monday. We bade a fond farewell to the wonderful Uruguayans who spoke at assembly about their experiences and particularly spoke about how warmly they had been welcomed by the Poetry Playroom. It was wonderful to hear about how much of our ethos made them feel at home as they share so much of our Jesuit language and culture despite the 7000 miles that separate our schools.
The highlight of the week has to be the amazing victory of Stonyhurst in the Lancashire Cup. Our 1 XV did the whole school proud and it was wonderful to see about 500 supporters turn out to support the boys despite the cold and dark January evening. As the final whistle went, hearing the Pater Noster ring out above Fylde was a very heart-warming moment. Huge congratulations to the team from the whole school community.
We are looking forward to welcoming Syntax families next weekend for the parents' conference as we help pupils prepare for the step up to Higher Line. After that we will be celebrating St Omer's Day and wishing our pupils a wonderful and well-deserved half term break.
With very best wishes
Alice McNeill
Victory at the Lancashire Rugby Cup
A huge congratulations to our 1st XV on their excellent 31–17 victory over Scarisbrick Hall to win the Lancashire Rugby Cup.
A superb performance from the boys in front of a fantastic crowd, creating a great atmosphere throughout the match. The win was marked in true Stonyhurst tradition with a celebratory Pater Noster at the end.
Well done to all involved. Quant Je Puis.
Regional Ethics Cup
Six pupils recently represented Stonyhurst at the regional Ethics Cup at the University of Manchester, a national debate competition run by the University of St Andrews.
Reaching the semi-finals, they debated topics including gene editing, voting rights and environmental action, showing confidence, insight and maturity throughout. A true example of Quant Je Puis.
From Pupil to Activist
We were pleased to welcome Dominika Lasota OS back to Stonyhurst College to speak with pupils as part of our PSHE programme.
An internationally recognised climate justice activist and leading voice in the Fridays For Future movement, Dominika shared her journey from pupil to activist, encouraging thoughtful discussion around values, responsibility and using your voice to create change.
Thank you, Dominika, for inspiring our pupils with such honesty and conviction.
The Ambassador Programme
The Ambassador Programme recognises that pupils themselves must be effective participants in anti-bullying prevention. The Ambassador Programme gives our pupils meaningful voices and general responsibility in shaping our school culture. Through the programme, our 16 Pupil Ambassadors will participate in prevention efforts and initiatives, support their peers and make a meaningful difference to our school culture. Each pupil has completed two training sessions in which they have explored their role, the different types of bullying, the impact of bullying on young people and developed a deeper understanding of what bullying is and how they can support their peers in school. Our volunteer Ambassadors have also committed to regular ongoing training focusing on specific issues that young people face. The Ambassadors will launch their first campaign on Stand Up to Bullying Day on February 27 2026. th
Important Information
Updated Policies
We have recently updated several of our policies. Please use the links below to access the latest versions.
Attendance Policy
Social Media Policy
AI (Artificial Intelligence) Policy
Online Safety Policy
Taking, Storing and Using Images of Children Policy
Privacy Notice
All of our policies can be viewed on our Website using the link here
Registration Reminder
Gentle reminder to parents picking up children that have become ill during the school day:
Please remember that children needing picking up during the school day due to illness, must leave via the Health Centre, unless you have a prearranged appointment that has been agreed with Playroom Leaders.
Illness reporting on the day needs to be directed by email to registration@stonyhurst.ac.uk
Many Thanks for your ongoing support
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
Monday 02 February nd
Candlemas 17 00 - 17 30
Tuesday 3 February rd
All Day
17.00 - 17.45
19.10 - 19.30
LAMDA Exams
Pupil Council Meeting
SMH Boarders’ Night Prayers
Wednesday 4 February th
09.00 - 12.00
16.30 - 19.30
18.00 - 23.00
19.00 - 20.00
Syntax Higher Line Options Meetings
Line Competition: Aloysius House and Lower Line - MarioKart Racing
Syntax and Higher Line - Kwick Cricket
Optional Boarding Trip - Six! The Musical
Finding Purpose Talk
Thursday 5 February th
09.00 - 12.00 14.00 - 21.45
Syntax Higher Line Options Meetings
Debating Competition
Friday 6th February
19.00 - 20.00
19.10 - 19.25
Syntax Recital
SMH Boarders’ Night Prayers
Saturday 7 February th
All Day
08.20 - 08.55
16 15 - 17 15
17.15 - 17.30
17 30 - 18 30
17.30 - 20.15 19.00
Syntax Parents’ Weekend
Line Assembly
Adoration and Confession
Benediction
Vigil Mass
Gastro Club
Boarding Activity - Lower Line - Pancake Day Celebration
Higher Line Social: UV/Glow Party
Sunday 8 February th
13.00 - 18.00
13.00 - 18.00
Syntax Drama Tech Day
Optional Boarding Trip - Leeds City Centre