EST. 1593 13 -18 years Prospectus Contents IntroductionIntroduction fromfrom thethe HeadmasterHeadmaster 33 History 44 CuraCura personalis 55 Academic 66 Pastoral excellenceexcellence 88 Creativity 1010 An energeticenergetic lifelife 1212 CatholicCatholic faithfaith 1414 Co-curricularCo-curricular activitiesactivities 1616 BoardingBoarding 1818 Sixth Form 2020 Next steps 2121 Admissions procedureprocedure 2222 An introduction fromfrom thethe HeadmasterHeadmaster Stonyhurst has a beautiful setting, fascinating heritage, fine reputation and excellent facilities. The Jesuit values upon which the College was founded in 1593 continue to underpin everything we do today. We achieve high academic results, have qualities of character that will distinguish exceptional pastoral care, and offer an extensive them in later life as men and women for range of co-curricular activities. The pupils others. A Jesuit education is a foundation in our care are given the individual attention, for such a life, an education that nurtures resources and space in which to grow individuality and encourages generosity. intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. In this prospectus we have tried to convey Stonyhurst pupils are encouraged to involve something of the very special nature of themselves fully in the opportunities offered Stonyhurst. I warmly invite you to come to them. Living in a supportive and diverse and see us in action, so you may see for community, they are helped to develop those yourself all that we have to offer. John Browne, Headmaster “We“We are are all all different different –– andand thisthis is is a aplace place which which embraces embraces allall kinds kinds of of talents talents and and people. people. StonyhurstStonyhurst allows allows us us to to focus focus onon what what we we are are good good at,at, andand to dodo whatwhat we we love.” love.” Aitana, Student An introduction from the Headmaster 3 History Stonyhurst is one of Britain’s leading Catholic boarding schools, with 425 years of history, set in a magnificent Grade I listed building. Founded in 1593, Stonyhurst is one of the oldest Jesuit schools in the world. Thanks to the development of teaching, boarding, sporting and recreational facilities, the College is strongly positioned to continue its 425 year old tradition of excellence. The College was founded at St Omers in and service. Catholic martyrs, war heroes, France in 1593 to educate the sons of English politicians, rebels, writers, scientists, and Catholic families, at a time when Catholic actors are numbered among the former education in England was prohibited. Since pupils, a testimony to the capacity of a Jesuit its relocation to the north west of England education to foster individual gifts and talents. in 1794, Stonyhurst has become the thriving We take a particular pride in those former co-educational establishment it is today. pupils who died for their Catholic faith, and The school’s educational philosophy is in the seven former pupils awarded the Victoria rooted in the tradition of Jesuit education. Cross for outstanding bravery. Our motto The College has a long history of nurturing ‘Quant Je Puis’ (as much as I can) remains men and women of individuality, generosity for us an over-arching principle. 4 History Cura personalis At Stonyhurst, we celebrate We strive to instil each student with the individuality and encourage distinctive Jesuit ethos: values that will help them to go on to make a difference as ‘men students to find and nurture and women for others’, using their education their passion and talent. and talents to make the world a better place. We believe in ‘cura personalis’ – development This sees their confidence of the whole person. Three core elements bloom as they grow into shape all that we do here as we seek to achieve cura personalis – educational excellence, young adults. perspectives and horizons, and faith that does justice. Each individual will experience these differently, based around their interests, talents, choices and personality, but all will benefit from this approach. So while academic performance is important, learning and personal growth extends far beyond the classroom at Stonyhurst. We want to continue to excel in something that we have successfully achieved for over 400 years – to shape individuals to be the best that they can be, wherever their strengths and talents may lie. The College’s most “Jesuit schools strive to give a first class education butbut theythey areare alsoalso placesplaces “distinctive feature is committedcommitted to to outstanding outstanding formationformation ofof character,character, wanting their pupilspupils toto developdevelop an outstanding, into well-educated adults who will live good and virtuous lives.” into well-educated adults who will live good and virtuous lives.” all-pervasive Fr Adrian Porter SJ, Delegate for Education, British Province of the Society of Jesus. spirituality, which promotes reflective self-awareness and Cura personalis 5 increased moral fibre, leading many pupils to relish oppo‘‘ rtunities to turn their faith We strongly believe in encouraging our pupils to do all they can for others, and various fundraising events are into action. organised and run by our Higher Line pupils themselves. A ISI Inspection Report number participate in an annual holiday week for disabled children, when the Higher Line pupils take responsibility for the care of a group of disabled children for the whole ‘ week. Many also take part in the Arrupe voluntary service ‘ scheme, helping in local schools, residential homes, a hospice and charity shops. Every year, a number of new students, mostly boarders, from the UK, Europe and further afield, join the College for Higher Line. Academic Stonyhurst has an outstanding academic record, with many of our pupils going on to top universities in the UK, Europe and around the world; a significant number gain places at Oxford or Cambridge each year. All pupils, whatever their particular strengths, are helped to achieve their full academic potential. Teaching at Stonyhurst centres on the to the full. A strong learning support department individual and encourages pupils to study enables those with special educational needs independently, and to think for themselves – to achieve their best. a vital preparation for university. We offer a We aim to establish a close partnership with choice of three routes for Sixth Form (Higher parents, because we understand that today’s Line) students – A Level, International parents, whether their child is a boarder or day Baccalaureate Diploma or the IB Career pupil, are keen to share with us in their son’s Related Programme. or daughter’s education. Small classes and exceptionally good teacher- pupil relationships enable pupils to learn at their own pace, developing their talents “Pupils’ achievements are good, supported by an excellent curcurriculumriculum and effective teaching.” ISI Inspection Report 6 Academic Academic 7 Pastoral excellence The happiness and wellbeing of our students is a top priority. We want them to enjoy their time at Stonyhurst in a safe and nurturing environment, and we hope that they will look back fondly upon the many memories they will make here. The structure we have put in place for pastoral There is also a team of pastoral staff, care is designed to ensure that each student headed up by experienced Pastoral Heads. This feels emotionally secure and knows who to team is responsible for the emotional turn to should they need that little bit of wellbeing of day students and boarders and is extra support. dedicated to ensuring that rules are followed to make Stonyhurst a positive and vibrant Each year group (known as a Playroom) has community where every individual student its own Head of Playroom, who will have feels at home and secure. an overview of each student’s complete experience at Stonyhurst. From academic At Stonyhurst, we develop strong links with performance to pastoral issues, the Head of our pupils’ families, and we encourage parents Playroom maintains a holistic view and by to be closely involved with us. staying with their year group for the duration of its time at the College, they build a solid understanding of each individual. “The pastoral care of the pupils and arrangements for their welfare, health and safety are excellent.” ISI Inspection Report 8 Pastoral excellence Pastoral excellence 9 CreativityCreativity The creative life of the Our dramatic productions, musicals and College is rich and varied, concerts challenge pupils to develop their many talents, and enable them to grow in confidence. offering opportunities Musicians of all ages and abilities play or sing in a range of instrumental and choral ensembles. in music, art, drama, Standards are high, with prestigious choral and dance, stage management, organ scholarships recently being awarded to Stonyhurst pupils, as well as places on National photography and creative Youth Theatre courses. writing. There are many opportunities to perform, both individually and collectively. 10 Creativity Creativity Creativity 11 The main team games are rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics, football and rounders. Additional sports include cross-country running, squash, tennis, gymnastics, basketball, fencing, swimming, water polo, An energetic life ju-jitsu, shooting (indoor range), clay Sport plays an important part in the life of the College. pigeon shooting and We have a long history of sporting success, and have scuba diving. produced a number of international sportsmen in recent years. All pupils are able to take part in a wide range of sporting activities. The Stonyhurst campus extends over 2,500 acres, and facilities include a swimming pool, a nine-hole golf course, all weather pitch, squash and tennis courts. Stonyhurst is represented in local and national fixtures, and international tours take our pupils all over the world. 12 An energetic life An energetic lifelife Sport plays an important part in the life of the College. We have a long history of sporting success, and have produced a number of international sportsmen in recent years. All pupils are able to take part in a wide range of sporting activities.