Boarding
At Stonyhurst, boarding is more than a tradition – it is a transformative, values-led experience that prepares young people from around the world to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
As the oldest continuously active Jesuit school in the world, Stonyhurst offers a uniquely global education in the heart of the English countryside. Boarding is available for pupils aged 7 (Year 3) to 18, and from the moment they arrive, they become part of a lively, inclusive international community where friendships flourish and memories are made.
Our boarding houses are safe, supportive spaces where individuality is celebrated, and pupils feel truly at home – whether they are local or have travelled halfway around the world to be here.
Unique to many independent schools, Stonyhurst offers primarily horizontal boarding, where pupils live alongside others in the same year group. This creates a strong sense of belonging, with shared experiences, challenges, and achievements that nurture camaraderie, confidence, and leadership.
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Stonyhurst is the UK’s leading Catholic co-educational boarding and day school for 3–18-year-olds, combining academic excellence with Jesuit values. Founded in 1593, it nurtures pupils intellectually, spiritually, and morally, guiding them to become ‘men and women for others’ in a global society.
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Stonyhurst, Clitheroe BB7 9PZ, UK
01254 827073
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Co-Educational Boarding School
688
117
398
244
3-18
Catholic, Jesuit
Pre-Prep, Prep, College, Sixth Form, Summer School, Stonyhurst International School Penang
GCSE, A Level, IBDP, CTEC in Sport and Business.
The Stonyhurst Diploma forms the foundation
of the College’s Co-Curricular programme, recognising and encouraging pupil
involvement across four key strands: Adventure, Chaplaincy, Performing Arts, and
Sport. With 75 co-curricular activities to choose from, whatever their passion, every
pupil finds their place.
Stonyhurst
Stonyhurst
Stonyhurst is the UK’s leading co-educational Catholic boarding and day school, with boarding available from age 7. For over 100 years, Stonyhurst has been proud to welcome children from Forces families of all faiths and none, offering stability, care and opportunity in an environment that feels like home.
We understand the unique demands of Service life, for both parents and children, and how frequent moves or deployments can affect educational continuity. Finding a school where pupils can feel secure, settled and supported is invaluable. At Stonyhurst, we offer that long-term foundation: a compassionate community where every pupil is encouraged to grow in confidence and achieve their full potential.
Boarding lies at the heart of Stonyhurst life. Our seven-day-a-week community offers pupils stability and a vibrant calendar of activities, with no compulsory exeat weekends. Pre-arranged exeats can be arranged to fit flexibly with the needs and commitments of Forces families. With a warm, family-like atmosphere and exceptional pastoral care, pupils quickly feel at home.
Stonyhurst remains fully committed to a fee policy that provides maximum support for HM Forces families. Fees are set at 10% of the relevant CEA allowance, offering reassurance and continuity for parents serving both in the UK and overseas.
Our commitment to wellbeing is nationally recognised. Stonyhurst was named Best of the Best Senior School for Boarding in The Week Independent Schools Guide (Autumn/Winter 2025 edition) and has also been certified as a Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) Sleep Champion school – transforming routines and spaces to promote healthy habits and happier boarders.
Unlike many independent schools, Stonyhurst operates a horizontal boarding system, with pupils living in year-group houses. This structure creates peer friendships and ensures every child is supported and nurtured by dedicated Houseparents and Playroom Leaders.
Life beyond the classroom is vibrant, with boarding houses thriving at weekends. Pupils can choose from more than 75 co-curricular activities, from CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to astronomy in our observatory and Model United Nations. Whatever their passion, every pupil finds their place.
What truly distinguishes Stonyhurst is its Jesuit ethos of forming ‘men and women for others’. This guiding mission shapes all that we do, inspiring young people to discover their unique gifts, grow in confidence, and develop the compassion, community spirit and courage that will guide them throughout life.
