NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Interim Operational Head
Dear Stonyhurst Families
As we head into the last week of the Easter term, we are so grateful for the wonderful experiences and achievements of our pupils. The final night of Hadestown was of the highest quality and the cast and crew have had a well-deserved rest after all their hard work The musicality, professionalism and talent of the cast were in abundance and the whole school has been joyful this week. It is so lovely to see various members of the cast and crew walking down the corridor and being greeted by congratulations and well dones. One of the things I am so proud about at Stonyhurst is the spirit of support - everyone has a real desire for everyone else to do well, and when one person achieves something, it feels as though it is a whole school achievement!
We have had a great week of sport including the exceptional Stonyhurst Invitational Netball Tournament. The sun shone and the girls played brilliantly. Our senior team gained silver and very nearly got the win. It was so well-organised and great to welcome so many families to Stonyhurst.
It is Poetry Parents' Weekend this weekend and a great opportunity to celebrate their achievements. The Poetry Recital was a lovely occasion with a full Top Ref. It is great to see the Poets stepping up into leadership roles, whether as Pupil Ambassadors at the Open Day, tour guides for Admissions, leaders of various societies and just generally being great role models in the way that Rhetoric have set the tone. Poetry know they have big shoes to fill but they are certainly prepared and ready to take this on.
The Rhetoric IB Art Show was absolutely phenomenal and would not have been out of place at the Slade or Goldsmiths! It was so lovely to see the Rhetoricians' creativity and ingenuity. Many had created installations and use photography as a medium which was so impressive. This exhibition also showcased the talent of our teaching staff in the curation of this and the brilliant opportunities that the new light-filled gallery space gives.
As we head into the final week of term, pupils are excited about reuniting with their families and we are sure they will have much more to relate than I can fit here!
Have a wonderful weekend,
All best wishes
Alice McNeill
Stonyhurst Invitational Netball
The Stonyhurst Invitational Netball Tournament took place on Wednesday and proved to be a very successful day. With 20 teams competing, the standard of netball throughout the tournament was excellent.
Congratulations to our winners:
U18s – Woodhouse Grove
U15s – The Queen’s School, Chester
U13s – St Christopher’s High School
Thank you to all the teams who attended and contributed to such a fantastic event. We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back next year!
Inspiring Storytellin ps
We were delighted to welcome published novelist, poet and st last week.
Working with Rudiments, Lower Grammar and Grammar, Steven led a series of inspiring storytelling workshops in the More Library, showing pupils that stories do not just live in books. They live in us.
The library became a real creative hub for the morning, and we hope the sessions will inspire pupils to enter the Michael O'Maoileoin Prize for Creative Writing.
Thank you, Steven. You were brilliant!
SSI Open Water Dive
Pupils have been diving beneath the surface as part of Thursday’s Outdoor Pursuits programme.
Over recent weeks they have been working towards their SSI Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver qualifications. Training began with five pool dives to master the essential skills, before moving to two days of open water diving at Capernwray Dive Centre.
It has been fantastic to see the confidence, focus and teamwork involved as they prepare for their final dives this Sunday.
Easter Sports Camps at Stonyhurst
Easter Sports Camps at Stonyhurst are now open to book.
Young athletes can develop their skills in rugby, netball and tennis, with expert coaching, structured training and match play in a fun and supportive environment. Open to a range of ages and abilities, the camps focus on skill development, confidence and teamwork.
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 16 March th
Tuesday 17th March
8.00 - 18.00 12.25 - 12.55
Lancaster University Expo Poetry Medsoc
Wednesday 18 March th
9 00 - 16 00
Thursday 19 March th
19.00 - 20.30
Friday 20th March
15.00 - 16.00
Line Competition: Stonyhurst’s Got Talent (All Playrooms)
Tenebrae Service
Saturday 21 March st All Day
Term Ends: Travelling Day for all boarders