Stonyhurst Celebrates a Year of Achievements in 2023

Stonyhurst, the UK’s leading Catholic co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3-18, based in Clitheroe, Lancashire is celebrating another year of excellence in 2023 – 430 years after it was founded in 1593.

Stonyhurst boasts an outstanding academic record, with many pupils going on to study at top Universities in the UK, Europe and around the world; a significant number gaining places at Russell Universities each year. This year, over two-thirds of A level pupils achieved A*-B in their A Levels, there was a 92% pass rate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, together with all pupils gaining Distinction or Distinction* in CTEC Sport. GCSE results were also high with a 91% pass rate. Stonyhurst are proud to have achieved higher results than many grammar schools which is a remarkable achievement considering it is a non-selective school.

Sport is an important part of life at Stonyhurst and it has a long history of producing international sportsmen and women. Stonyhurst is proud of its latest leavers cohort of whom, Connie Clarke (OS22) is playing rugby for England and Liberty Heap (OS22) is playing cricket for England, both travelling internationally for matches. Tennis is also thriving under the leadership of David Shaw, Director of Tennis who is a former professional and Liz Thomas, Level 4 LTA Senior Performance Coach. Both have coached many pupils to play regionally and nationally and have achieved several successes including the senior girls being named LTA’s North of England Champions earlier this year. This success adds to our previous triumph of winning the LTA Lancashire Tennis School of the Year for two consecutive years previously.

Earlier this year, Stonyhurst received the highest possible rating of ‘excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, praising the quality of pupils’ academic achievements and the quality of the pupils’ personal development. The Inspectors identified that ‘pupils’ attitudes to learning are extremely positive and they demonstrate a genuine desire to achieve’, they also identified that ‘pupils are highly articulate and speak with eloquence when addressing others’ and that ‘pupils display a level of maturity beyond their years.’

Stonyhurst continues to embrace new and innovative technology whilst still retaining traditional excellence. The school’s advancing innovation is reflected through being named a regional finalist in Talk Education’s 2023 Innovation in Education Awards for the ‘Best use of Technology’ and shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding New Initiative’ category of the Independent School of the Year Awards 2023. These awards are a testament to the success and development of the Virtual Open Day platform which has revolutionised the way that families have been able to connect with Stonyhurst from anywhere in the world. It stands as the very first platform of its kind.

Testament to the school’s Jesuit values of being ‘men and women for others’, last month Stonyhurst won the national ‘Charitable Work Champion’ award in The School House Magazine Awards 2023, triumphing over national competition from Millfield School, Somerset and Claremont Fan Court School. The accolade was a testament to the outstanding achievements of former Head Boy (OS23) Dilip Gosall. The judges praised Dilip’s efforts during his time at the school, which encourage pupils to make a positive difference in the world.

Testament to its achievements, Stonyhurst is proud to be included in Tatler’s School Guide 2024 – which includes only the top prep and public schools in the UK. To earn entry in the Guide, Schools must offer the whole package including holistic pastoral care; a focus on character-forming as much as pure academics; and the ability to accommodate and nurture all their pupils so that they leave as well-educated and, most importantly, happy young people.

For the 37th consecutive year, the School has also been included in The Good School’s Guide 2024. The Guide is the UK’s leading and impartial school guide, helping parents to choose the best education for their children.

Headmaster, John Browne said: “Stonyhurst is a special place where pupils are encouraged to involve themselves fully in the opportunities offered to them. With high academic results, every pupil is able to fulfil his or her potential through our exceptionally high standard of teaching, pastoral care and extensive range of sport and co-curricular activities. We warmly invite anyone to come and see what Stonyhurst has to offer.”