Compare International Schools in Preston, United kingdom

Stonyhurst College

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees £14,747 - 58,276

Pupils 700

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Stonyhurst College is a co-educational day and boarding school on a 1,000-acre estate in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. It comprises St Mary's Hall (ages 3–11) and Stonyhurst College (ages 11–18), educating around 800 pupils from more than 30 countries. The school sits in the Jesuit tradition and blends history with a pastoral ethos. The curriculum includes the British Curriculum, the IB Diploma Programme and the Cambridge Technical Diploma in the Sixth Form, with small classes and close teacher–pupil relationships that let pupils learn at their own pace and develop their talents. Facilities span sport, arts and study: a 25m swimming pool, a 37-station gym, an all-weather pitch, a tennis dome and a 9-hole golf course; theatres, a dance studio and a 15-room music department; the More Library (35,000 books), historic libraries and the Observatory, the oldest working school observatory in the UK. Co-curricular life centers on the Stonyhurst Diploma and programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh, Model United Nations and performing arts.

Location

Stonyhurst is located in the Ribble Valley near Clitheroe, Lancashire, England, on a 1,000‑acre estate. The campus comprises Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall for ages 3–11 and Stonyhurst College for ages 11–18. The address is Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ; for satellite navigation use BB7 9PX.

Stages

Pupils are educated across two schools: Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall (ages 3–11) and Stonyhurst College (ages 11–18).

Type

Co-educational day and boarding school.

Additional learning support

The Learning Support Department at the College provides for pupils who have or may have special educational needs, including English as an additional language (EAL).

Country affiliation

England

Religious affiliation

Catholic (Jesuit) school.

Bus service

A school bus service is available for day pupils travelling to and from Stonyhurst each school day.

Application and registration fees

- Registration fee: GBP 150 (UK) or GBP 180 (Rest of the World), inclusive of VAT.

Deposits (payable on acceptance)

- Stonyhurst College:
- UK full boarding: GBP 4,300.
- Rest of the World full boarding: GBP 4,600.
- Weekly / Flexi boarding: GBP 3,700.
- Day pupil: GBP 2,500.

- Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall (ages 3–11):
- UK full boarding: GBP 3,100.
- Rest of the World full boarding: GBP 3,600.
- Weekly / Flexi boarding: GBP 2,800.
- Day pupil: GBP 2,100.
- Pre-Prep: GBP 1,200.

Tuition fees — Stonyhurst College (per term and annual figures for 2026/27)

- UK – Full Boarding:
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 17,847.45; Annual total GBP 53,542.35.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 17,547.45; Annual total GBP 52,642.35.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 12,909.45; Annual total GBP 38,728.35.

- Rest of the World – Full Boarding:
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 19,425.45; Annual total GBP 58,276.35.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 19,125.45; Annual total GBP 57,376.35.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 14,926.65; Annual total GBP 44,779.95.

- Weekly Boarding (5–6 nights, return after supper on Sunday):
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 15,511.85; Annual total GBP 46,535.55.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 15,311.85; Annual total GBP 45,935.55.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 11,747.85; Annual total GBP 35,243.55.

- Flexi‑Boarding (3 nights per week):
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 13,743.05; Annual total GBP 41,229.15.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 13,603.05; Annual total GBP 40,809.15.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 10,688.25; Annual total GBP 32,064.75.

- Day pupils (College):
- Year 12 to 13: Per term GBP 10,386.25; Annual total GBP 31,158.75.
- Year 9 to 11: Per term GBP 10,286.25; Annual total GBP 30,858.75.
- Year 7 to 8: Per term GBP 8,630.25; Annual total GBP 25,890.75.

Tuition fees — Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall (per term and annual figures for 2026/27)

- UK – Full Boarding (Years 4–6): Per term GBP 12,909.45; Annual total GBP 38,728.35.
- Rest of the World – Full Boarding (Years 4–6): Per term GBP 14,926.65; Annual total GBP 44,779.95.
- Weekly Boarding (Years 4–6): Per term GBP 11,747.85; Annual total GBP 35,243.55.
- Flexi‑Boarding (Years 4–6): Per term GBP 9,854.70; Annual total GBP 29,564.10.
- Day pupils:
- Year 4–6: Per term GBP 6,157.50; Annual total GBP 18,472.50.
- Year 3: Per term GBP 5,536.70; Annual total GBP 16,610.10.
- Reception/Year 1/Year 2 (Pre‑Prep): Per term GBP 4,915.50; Annual total GBP 14,746.50.
- Nursery sessions (where 15 hours Early Education Funding applies): GBP 9.45 per hour (excl. VAT).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are published on a per‑term basis and annual totals are shown as the sum of three terms; fees are reviewed annually in the Easter Term with any change applying from the following September.
- The public fee material provides registration and deposit amounts and per‑term/annual fee levels; the school's public pages do not publish detailed invoice due‑dates, the formal parental contract wording on notice periods or full refund/repayment mechanics. For specific contractual payment terms (invoice dates, late‑payment charges, required notice to withdraw and how deposits are handled), contact the school's fees office at fees@stonyhurst.ac.uk.

Boarding-related items included / noted

- Accommodation and all main meals for boarding pupils are included in the boarding fee, excluding lunch in certain instances where lunch is listed as a separate specified charge. Laundry service for boarding pupils is included.
- Weekly boarding is defined as 5–6 nights with return after supper on Sunday.

Other costs and common additional charges

- Lunch: lunch is identified as a separate specified charge in the published material; refreshment and supper for day pupils are included but lunch may be charged separately.
- Uniform: the full cost of school uniform is not included in the fees. Uniform and related items are supplied through the school's appointed supplier, Stevensons; the Stevensons shop accepts major debit and credit cards (American Express excluded) for uniform purchases.
- Examinations, some weekend activities and charges for externally provided activities are listed as additional to the fees. Any dry‑cleaning or laundry costs for items left at school will be charged to the pupil's account.

What the fees cover

- Timetabled teaching classes, laundry for boarders, a personal Microsoft laptop from Year 7, personal accident insurance and (for boarders) accommodation and main meals (with lunch identified as a separate specified charge in some cases) are included within the published fees.

Sibling discount

- A sliding scale sibling reduction applies while siblings attend at the same time: 1st child 0%; 2nd child 5% reduction; 3rd child 10% reduction; 4th child 15% reduction.

Refunds and notice

- The publicly published fee material lists registration fees and deposits but does not set out detailed refund mechanics or a full withdrawal/notice policy on the public pages. For the school's formal refund, notice and withdrawal terms (for example whether a deposit is retained, conditions for refund, and the notice period required to avoid a term's fees in lieu), contact the fees office at fees@stonyhurst.ac.uk.

Fee payment options and partners

- The school provides a partnership with School Fee Plan to allow UK families to spread fee payments.
- Uniform/shop payments are handled by Stevensons; Stevensons accepts major debit/credit cards (American Express excluded) at pop‑up events and via its online store.
- For all fee queries, invoices and to confirm accepted payment methods for school fees (for example bank transfer, direct debit, card or other channels), contact the fees office: fees@stonyhurst.ac.uk. The school publishes per‑term and annual fee levels but does not publish full invoicing mechanics on the public fee pages.

Summary (practical points for a parent entering data into a database)

- Registration fee: GBP 150 (UK) / GBP 180 (ROW). Deposits and per‑term fees vary by age group and boarding status (full/weekly/flexi/day); detailed per‑term and annual figures for 2026/27 are provided above for Stonyhurst College and St Mary's Hall.
- Fees are shown per term and as annual totals; fees are reviewed annually in the Easter Term. Lunch, uniform, examinations and some activities are additional to the published tuition figures. Stevensons supplies uniform; School Fee Plan is offered as a payment partner for UK families. For specific contractual billing dates, notice and refund mechanics, contact fees@stonyhurst.ac.uk.

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is offered in Occasional, Flexible, Weekly, and Full options. Boarders live in six houses arranged by gender and age, with year-based Playrooms and a Line Family structure to support pastoral care and community. Stonyhurst operates a seven-day-a-week boarding model, including Saturday School and Sunday activities, to provide continuity and a cohesive community.

Uniform Requirement

The uniform is supplied by Stevensons Uniform Shop; orders can be placed online and a Uniform Booklet is downloadable. Name tapes and uniform alterations are available. A Uniform Pop-Up Shop is occasionally held to help fittings.

Food Options

Organic and locally sourced meals are provided. The catering supports a broad range of dietary needs.

House System

The house system uses Lines: Campion, Shireburn, St Omers, and Weld. Pupils are grouped into Lines and participate in Interline competitions; there are Playrooms (year-based groups) led by Playroom Leaders, and every pupil belongs to a Line Family.

Governance and Ownership

Board of Trustees oversee both Stonyhurst College and St Mary's Hall and meet twice per term. Trustees are unpaid volunteers who determine strategy and direction and govern through committees. Stonyhurst is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.

Curriculum

The Sixth Form offers three routes for the Higher Line: A level, IB Diploma and the Cambridge Technical Diploma. The curriculum emphasises small classes and strong teacher-pupil relationships, enabling pupils to learn at their own pace and develop their talents.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small classes and strong teacher-pupil relationships.

Exam Results

A Level progress ranks 16th nationally, placing Stonyhurst in the top 0.6% of the country and 9th among independent schools. Stonyhurst is recognised as a Top 30 IB school nationally, and in 2026 the IB pass rate was 97% with an average IB score of 36.

Higher Education Progression

Pupils go on to top universities in the UK and overseas. Global destinations include University of St Andrews; University of Exeter; Hamilton College New York; University of Notre Dame US; King's College London; IE Madrid; University of Sydney; University of St Gallen Switzerland; Luiss Italy; Carnegie Mellon US.

Gifted and Talented

Academic Scholars programme offers opportunities for pupils across All College (Years 7-13), with monthly Magis Mail, promotion of debating, Model United Nations, subject clubs and a Gifted and Talented STEM workshop day. In Higher Line (Sixth Form), Academic Scholars study A level or IB Diploma, may undertake Extended Projects, and participate in mentoring, leadership roles, UCAS guidance and Oxbridge preparation where applicable.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Pastoral Hub provides dedicated emotional, social and mental wellbeing support. The Hub has an open-door policy and a calm, welcoming space within the College; pupils may be referred by parents, Houseparents, Playroom Leaders, tutors or safeguarding staff, or seek support independently. The Hub is led by the Pastoral Coordinator and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and is supported by three full-time Pastoral Assistants and three qualified Counsellors. It offers 1:1 Pastoral Mentoring, Counselling and targeted group programmes, including Sleep Hygiene, Team Building and Resilience, Healthy Relationships and Healthy Digital Behaviours, with ASDAN LifeSkills accreditation where appropriate. It sits within a wider wellbeing network with the Health Centre, Boarding staff and senior pupil representatives to deliver a whole-school approach to wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Pastoral Hub collaborates with SEND to support pupils with additional learning needs. The safeguarding framework recognises a multi-disciplinary approach to safeguarding and wellbeing that includes SEND. The Lancashire SEND Helpline provides information and support (01772 533900). The Hub's group programmes include ASDAN LifeSkills accreditation for practical skills, and the approach emphasises restorative approaches to behaviour when needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Pupils applying with English as a second language have a formal interview in English as part of the assessment. Some international applicants may require additional English language support, with adaptations to the curriculum as appropriate. Pupils applying for Syntax (Year 11) join a structured Pre-IB programme, which prepares them for the IB Diploma Programme, and other year groups follow the main curriculum with possible English support where necessary. CEFR testing may be required for some international pupils.

Mental Wellbeing

The Pastoral Hub delivers mental wellbeing support as part of a multi-disciplinary network, including the Health Centre and Boarding staff. It offers 1:1 pastoral mentoring and counselling, plus group interventions such as Sleep Hygiene, Team Building and Resilience, Healthy Relationships and digital wellbeing. The approach is trauma-informed and focused on helping pupils build confidence, resilience and emotional awareness. The Hub uses a restorative approach to behaviour when needed.

Safeguarding

The school has a Jesuit Safeguarding Statement and places safeguarding at the heart of its work. It is an Operation Encompass school, providing early notification to staff when pupils may have been exposed to domestic abuse. The safeguarding team includes a Cross-Campus Designated Safeguarding Lead; Emma Winstanley is the designated lead, with contact details provided. All staff are trained in Child Protection and safeguarding procedures follow Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and the Prevent duty guidance. Lancashire SEND Helpline information is available for families seeking SEND support.

Admissions

1. Applications are welcomed for entry at all stages from ages 3 to 18, and there is no fixed application cut-off; families may apply to any year group at any time. 2. The first stage of the Admissions process is an enquiry form; an online application can be submitted and prospectuses downloaded as needed. 3. The admissions process includes entry assessments, interviews, and references from the current school, with school reports for the previous two years required. A 500-word handwritten personal statement is required for College pupils, while St Mary's Hall uses a personal information sheet; disability assessments may be carried out if applicable. 4. Some international pupils may sit the Cambridge English Placement Test (CEPT), and interviews can be conducted via video or telephone for international applicants. 5. Entry at 3+ involves joining St Mary's Hall Pre-Prep; the school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) department and offers places for children with little or no English. 6. Entry at 11+ typically involves a transfer from St Mary's Hall; applicants from other schools at 11+ require an online entrance assessment, school reports for the previous two years, a reference, a 500-word personal statement, and an interview with the Head (video for international). 7. Entry at 13+ (Lower Grammar), 14+ (Grammar), and 15+ (Syntax) is based on online entrance assessment, school reports, a reference, and an interview with the Head; some international pupils may sit the Oxford Placement Test. 8. Sixth Form entry is based on an interview, a satisfactory entrance examination, a 500-word handwritten personal statement, and submission of school reports; a good GCSE performance is expected. 9. International applicants have access to an International Applications & Agents route and may be interviewed via video/telephone.

Scholarships

Scholarships are the highest awards offered by Stonyhurst and are granted at the Head's discretion. Foundation bursaries are available to assist with fees; applications for a Stonyhurst Foundation Bursary are handled through Admissions.

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Compare International Schools in Preston, United kingdom

Location

Stages

Type

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Religious affiliation

Bus service

Boarding Arrangements

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

House System

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Student Teacher Ratio

Exam Results

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

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