
Stonyhurst College
Stonyhurst College
Clitheroe, England
Stonyhurst College is one of the oldest Jesuit schools in the world and impresses with an imposing campus that has been in use since 1593 – a school straight out of a Harry Potter movie! Both A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate are offered here, consistently with strong results. Yet Stonyhurst never feels overly ambitious or "pushy": the school places great emphasis on holistic development and encourages its pupils to engage actively in sports, creativity, and social activities. The timetable is well filled – boredom is definitely not an option here.
The Details
The Academics
Stonyhurst is not a school solely focused on academic top performance—and that’s part of its appeal. Nevertheless, the results are impressive: the International Baccalaureate average in 2024 was a very solid 35 points—well above the global average. Students also perform well in A-Levels, with a notable proportion achieving top grades. GCSE results show a similar picture, with many strong performances.
Not all graduates automatically aim for Oxbridge. Many consciously choose European or American universities, or prestigious UK institutions like St Andrews, Durham, or Leeds. Increasingly, graduates are also opting for “degree apprenticeships,” which combine academic study with practical experience.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, French, Spanish, German and Latin.
The Boarding
About two-thirds of the students live in the boarding houses, traditionally called “Playrooms” here. Unlike many other British schools, year groups remain separate, which quickly gives students a familiar and comfortable environment. The boarding houses range from classic British style to modern accommodations: notably, the recently renovated boarding house for Year 9 boys stands out—with bright, Scandinavian-style rooms, a large common lounge, a huge TV, and a game console.
In the Sixth Form, each student can retreat to their own single room with views over the rolling hills of northern England. The boarding culture is lively and varied, featuring weekly internal competitions such as lip-sync battles and sports challenges.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Stonyhurst enjoys a nationwide reputation as a very sporty school. It is particularly strong in classic British sports like rugby and hockey, but swimming, badminton, and tennis are also excellently developed. The team spirit is palpable, the facilities well maintained, and competitive sports are a fixed part of the weekly routine.
The artistic offerings at Stonyhurst are exceptionally diverse. The school has been awarded the prestigious "Artsmark Gold" status in recognition of the quality and breadth of its program. Stonyhurst excels especially in painting, photography, design, and textiles. A dedicated studio with an "Artist in Residence" allows students to undertake their own projects at a high level.
In the performing arts, Stonyhurst also has much to offer: the school stages at least four major theater productions each year and offers dance classes in many styles—from street dance to ballet. The new Stonyhurst Diploma includes creative, active, social, and adventurous elements (e.g., CCF, Duke of Edinburgh Award, mountain sports), underscoring the school’s holistic approach. Additionally, there is a wide range of clubs—from chess and drone racing to classic outdoor activities like clay pigeon shooting and salmon fishing. The school even has its own observatory, where the popular astronomy club regularly meets.
Weaknesses
The IB program at Stonyhurst attracts an internationally diverse student body, contributing to the school’s open-minded atmosphere. In recent years, however, the proportion of German-speaking students has been comparatively high—an aspect families should consider if they place particular importance on a broadly diverse international environment.
Location
The Stonyhurst School is located in the northwest of England, idyllically set in the green Ribble Valley in Lancashire—one of the most scenic areas in the country. Despite its rural location, the school is easily accessible: the nearest train station is in Clitheroe, just about 15 minutes away, with regular connections to Manchester and Liverpool. Both cities are roughly an hour to an hour and a half away and offer not only airports but also an urban contrast to the school's peaceful daily life.
Preston - 45 mins by car
Ideal for students who value a broad education in one of the most beautiful schools in the UK.
For families interested in literature, a visit to the Tolkien Trail is well worth it.
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