NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Interim Operational Head
Dear Stonyhurst Families
There are often moments at Stonyhurst that are just pure joy. The rapturous applause for incomparable Hadestown on opening night, the pupils out enjoying the gardens on the first day of spring weather, the gatherings of crazy costumes for World Book Day, the first croquet match of the year on the Headmaster's lawns, a pupil playing some Rachmaninov on the Steinway at Rec. Every week at Stonyhurst there are these moments which you just want to bottle These things make Stonyhurst the most special school one could wish for We have been celebrating Stonyhurst this weekend with a record number of families coming to visit for our Open Day. Families from all over the UK and Europe have made the trip this weekend and we are so proud to open our doors to allow families an insight into our wonderful school.
Back to Hadestown, it has to be seen to be believed. Words and photos really cannot do the beauty of the play justice. It transports you. It really is a morality tale addressing some serious philosophical and political issues, all set to an incredible score in the jazz and blues traditions. To have a live band playing throughout really sets off the stunning performances. We couldn't be prouder of the cast and crew. The talent of the actors is breathtaking and the whole production is of a quality far-surpassing a normal school production.
Please do take a moment to read about our new recognition from the Department for Education for A levels. We are so proud to be the best in Lancashire and one of the best in the country in terms of the progress pupils make at Stonyhurst compared to other UK schools. This really is testament to the hard work of the pupils and staff and is the result of all the adjustments we have put in place over the last few years. We cannot wait to build further on this success.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming Poetry families next weekend and cannot wait to celebrate Great Academies with you in the summer term.
Have a great weekend.
With all best wishes
Alice McNeill
Quant Je Puis in Action -
Becoming all they can be
Stonyhurst Ranked No.1 in Lancashire and among the top 0.6% nationally for A Level progress
Stonyhurst College is proud to announce that its A Level provision has been recognised at the highest national level following the release of the Department for Education’s revised 2024–2025 performance data on 12th February. This external validation directly aligns with the College’s Alps Education Grade 1 for A Level last summer, which placed Stonyhurst in the top 1% of schools nationally for value-added progress. Recognised at the highest level by not one but two of the most respected benchmarking systems in English education, the message is clear, Stonyhurst pupils do not simply meet expectations, they exceed them.
With an A Level Progress Score of +0.68, Stonyhurst is now ranked as the top performing post-16 provider in Lancashire. Nationally, the College stands 16th out of 2,540 schools and colleges across England, placing it within the top 0.6% of all providers. Within the independent sector, Stonyhurst ranks 9th out of 487 independent schools in England with validated progress data. To be placed 9 nationally among nearly five hundred independent schools represents a truly exceptional achievement and firmly establishes Stonyhurst within the top 2% of the sector for value-added performance. th
Hadestown
The curtain rises on Hadestown for the final time this evening at Stonyhurst.
After weeks of rehearsals, music practice and technical preparation, an enormous amount of dedication has gone into bringing this production to life. From the cast and musicians to the backstage and technical teams, it has truly been a whole-school effort.
Well done to everyone involved.
World Book Day
This week, Stonyhurst pupils embraced the magic of reading as they celebrated World Book Day with enthusiasm and creativity. The library became the heart of the festivities, hosting a range of activities designed to spark imagination and encourage a love of books.
One of the highlights of the day was the chance for pupils and staff to dress up as their favourite book characters. From classic heroes to modern icons, the corridors were filled with colourful costumes and plenty of excitement. The shared joy of recognising characters and discussing beloved stories created a lively atmosphere across the College.
World Book Day once again proved to be a wonderful reminder of the power of stories—and the joy that comes from sharing them together.
A Wonderful Week comes to an end
A wonderful week comes to an end as we say goodbye to our visiting school from Wah Yan, Hong Kong.
During their time at Stonyhurst, pupils took part in lessons, attended Mass, explored the Museum and experienced daily school life. It has been a valuable cultural exchange, strengthening global connections and shared understanding.
We wish our friends from Wah Yan a safe journey home and thank them for being part of our community
U13s Rugby Success
The U13s were crowned Plate winners at the AKS 7s this week after a superb day of competitive rugby.
Facing strong opposition across all groups, the boys produced some outstanding 7s rugby to secure the trophy in challenging conditions. Despite the weather, they moved the ball with real confidence and intent, playing some fantastic attacking rugby throughout.
A brilliant team effort. Quant Je Puis!
Important Information
Accessibility Feedback
At Stonyhurst we value every member of our school community, and your insight plays an essential role in helping us create an environment where all students and families feel supported.
To help us understand how well the school is meeting accessibility needs, we invite you to share your feedback using the form below.
Your perspective will help us identify strengths, address gaps, and continue building a school where everyone can participate fully and confidently.
Accessibility Feedback Form
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 March th
8.30 - 17.30
Geography GCSE Fieldwork
Tuesday 10th March
9.00 - 17.00
19.10 - 19.30
Geography GCSE Fieldwork
SMH Boarders’ Night Prayers
Wednesday 11 March th
8 30 - 9 00
12.00 - 16.00
16 30 - 17 30
19 00 - 21 00
Higher Line Playroom Worship
Visit to Everyman Cinema to see ‘Othello’ Line Competition: Aloysius House and Lower Line - Mixed Cricket
Syntax and Higher Line - Archery
Line Captain Dinner
Thursday 12 March th
17.30 - 22.30
Friday 13th March
19.00 - 20.30
New Views Theatre Trip
Spring Concert
Saturday 14 March th
All Day
8 20 - 8 55
16.15 - 17.15
17 15 - 17 30
17.30 - 18.30
19 00 - 20 00
19 30 - 22 00
Sunday 15 March th
7.30 - 19.00
11.00 - 18.00 13.00 - 18.00
Poetry Parents’ Day Line Assembly
Adoration & Confession
Benediction
Vigil Mass
Optional Boarding Activity - All: 6 Nations Screening
Rhetoric: Gastro Club
Higher Line Social: St Patrick’s Day Party
SSI Open Water Dives
Optional Boarding Trip: Liverpool City Museum and Liverpool One Tech Rehearsal for Grammar Drama Exam