NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Senior Deputy Head
Dear Stonyhurst Families
It has been another very busy week at Stonyhurst with fixtures, talks, events, culminating with the Syntax concert in the Top Ref and their Parents' Weekend. It is an important time for Syntax as they begin to prepare for their transition to Higher Line. They have all had careers interviews this week and we are excited to help them realise their goals in Poetry and Rhetoric. It has been such a wonderful half term and I am constantly amazed by the richness and diversity of experiences available to all pupils.
We are so sad to say goodbye to John Browne at the end of next week and very warmly welcome you to celebrate the St Omer's Martyrs' Mass on Friday at 3pm in St Peter's followed by a Reception in the Top Ref.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Browne for his exceptional service to Stonyhurst. What he has built is so special and the impact he has had on so many pupils' lives. He has left the school in an amazing position and we are so excited to build on his amazing legacy. In next week's newsletter, we will provide a full tribute and all the valedictory speeches.
We wish you a wonderful weekend,
With all best wishes
Alice McNeill
Stonyhurst Model United Nations
Last week, Stonyhurst hosted our annual Model United Nations Conference, welcoming delegates from 13 schools for a day of debate, diplomacy and collaboration. With this year’s theme of Unification, pupils explored global issues, built confidence in public speaking, and demonstrated impressive leadership throughout.
Thank you to all delegates and visiting schools, and to Dominika Lasota OS for inspiring pupils with her powerful insights.
CCF Programme
Well done to our brilliant air rifle shooters! A unique co-curricular activity and part of our CCF programme, they have shown outstanding focus, precision and dedication, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. Fantastic work!
Outstanding Rugby Milestone
Congratulations to Joseph on his selection for the North of England U18 rugby squad, another outstanding milestone in a superb season to date. We look forward to supporting Joseph in the North's upcoming fixtures as he flies the flag for Stonyhurst rugby excellence.
Scouting Success
Apryl has proudly achieved her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award alongside the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award, marking a significant milestone in her Scouting journey. Heath has earned his Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award, the highest youth award in Scouting. He has also completed the Young Leaders’ Scheme, demonstrating commitment, leadership, and service.
Their achievements reflect the school’s motto and Quant Je Puis attitude, doing all that they can, well beyond the classroom.
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 09 February th
All Week
08.20 - 09.55
Childrens Mental Health Week Awards Assembly
Tuesday 10 February th
All Morning
18.45 - 20.30
18.45 - 21.00
19.10 - 19.30
Grammar PSHE Drop Down Morning
Lower Grammar Social Poetry & Syntax Social Boarders’ Night Prayers
Wednesday 11 February th
16.00 - 17.30
18.45 - 20.30
18.45 - 20.30 19.00 - 21.30
Line Competition: Syntax and Higher Line Swimming Gala Aloysius House Social Grammar Social Syntax GCSE Drama Exam Performance
Thursday 12 February th St Omer’s Martyrs’ Mass
Friday 13 February th 15.00 - 16.00
Saturday 7 February th
Half term begins: travelling day for all boarders