About the school
Stonyhurst College, which includes its preparatory school st Mary's Hall, is a co-educational, Roman Catholic, independent, boarding and day school for pupils aged 3 to 19. Founded in France by the Society of Jesus in 1593, it moved to England in 1794 and it became an independent charitable trust governed by trustees in 2009.
Since the previous inspection, the governing body has led a review of safeguarding practice. A new pastoral structure has been introduced, with each year group overseen by an assistant head. The campus master plan has focused investment in boarding facilities and security arrangements. The importance of hearing the voice of the pupil has been integrated into strategic planning and operational aspects of school life. A new personal, social and health education (PHSE) programme has been introduced.
Pupils attend the preparatory school until the age of 13, and the College between the ages of 13 and 19. Boarders live in one of eight boarding houses, one of which is for pupils in the preparatory school. College boarding houses are organised by year group.
What the school seeks to do
A Stonyhurst education is about 'Improvement in living and learning for the greater glory of God and the common good' (St lgnatius). The school seeks to develop the gifts and talents of each individual to be 'as much as I can' (Quant Je Puis).
About the pupils
Pupils come from a range of backgrounds representing some 30 different nationalities. Nationally standardised tests indicate that the ability profile of the junior school and sixth form is broadly average. The ability profile of the senior school is above average. The school has identified 198 pupils as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with a range of needs associated with cognition and learning. One pupil in the school has an education, health and care (EHC) plan. English is an additional language (EAL)for 215 pupils, 115 of whom receive additional support for their English. Data is used by the school to identify pupils as being the most able in the school's population, and the curriculum is modified for those with SEND and EAL. There are specialist pathways for pupils with academic, musical and sporting strengths.