A new era begins at Stonyhurst as Year 7 and 8 pupils are now welcomed
Stonyhurst is thrilled to announce the welcoming of Year 7 and 8 pupils into the College with the opening of the newly renovated Aloysius House. This facility, part of a significant £400,000 investment, represents a return to the College’s roots, providing a nurturing environment that embodies Jesuit principles of education. Previously, Year 7 and 8 pupils were taught at St Mary’s Hall, the College’s Prep School.
Stonyhurst College is the UK’s leading co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for 3 – 18 year olds. The school was originally founded in Saint-Omer, near Calais, in 1593 by Fr Robert Persons SJ under the patronage of Philip II of Spain, and is the oldest continually active Jesuit school in the world.
Aloysius House offers a friendly and co-educational setting for both day pupils and boarders, serving as the ideal introduction to Stonyhurst life. Pupils in Key Stage 3 experience an exclusively specialist teacher model, in small class sizes, preparing them for their transition into the latter years of Stonyhurst College and beyond. With talented and creative subject specialists guiding the curriculum, Year 7 and 8 pupils are academically stretched and challenged while discovering their unique learning styles. Each pupil is assigned a tutor who oversees their academic journey and provides essential pastoral care and support.
In Figures and Rudiments (Years 7 and 8), pupils have the opportunity to study languages, choosing from French, Spanish, or German. Latin is offered to able and talented pupils as an activity outside of the curriculum. Pupils are taught in streamed sets for mathematics, English, and languages to maximise progress, while for other subjects and activities, they engage in mixed ability groups, broadening their social horizons.
Central to the experience is the innovative Adventure curriculum, led by Stonyhurst’s Director of Adventure. This program includes an exciting outdoor activities like archery and kayaking, designed to cultivate essential skills in teamwork, resilience, and character development. Importantly, pupils will have four years to acclimate before commencing their GCSE studies, allowing for a smooth transition into senior education.
Approximately half of the pupils in Aloysius House are boarders, enriching the multicultural tapestry of the College. Stonyhurst offers both occasional and weekly boarding options for Year 7 and 8 pupils. Additionally, day students can take advantage of flexible pick-up times, ensuring convenience for families with options available after lessons at 5 PM, after activities at 5:45 PM, and after homework at 7:15 PM.
The integration of Year 7 and 8 into Aloysius House nurtures a vibrant community where fees encompass a variety of activities, swimming, drama, music, the brand new Adventure curriculum as well as lunch and evening meals. All pupils access to over 75 co-curricular activities, including fencing and astronomy. Additionally, convenient bus routes are available across local areas, along with unrivalled facilities like a tennis dome and an Olympic-sized AstroTurf pitch.
“This transition from St Mary’s Hall has been seamless and well-received by parents, staff, and pupils,” said Senior Deputy Head Dr. Alice McNeill. “Bringing Year 7 and 8 back into the College enables us to provide a unified educational experience, enhancing both academic and personal growth in alignment with our mission to develop ‘men and women for others.’”
