When Twilight Falls, the Magic Begins
Experience the Best of Both Worlds at Stonyhurst College
At Stonyhurst College, weekly boarding offers an enriching experience that enhances the school day by allowing pupils to engage more deeply in school life whilst still enjoying quality family time at the weekend. Day pupils enjoy the same rigorous academic curriculum and partake in many activities during school hours. However, weekly boarders have the added advantage of participating in additional evening cultural societies, social time forming deeper connections with friends from around the globe, and structured study sessions, which extend the vibrant atmosphere at Stonyhurst well beyond the typical school day.
In fact, many pupils who live a short distance away from the school have transitioned from day to weekly boarding, not wanting to miss out on the full range of opportunities available after the school day ends. These pupils often find that boarding allows them to make the most of their time at Stonyhurst rather than spending time commuting to school each day, experiencing the unique sense of community, independence, and engagement that comes with boarding life. For example, a day pupil living just 30 minutes from the school would save 6 hours each week that could be spent socialising with friends, studying, or resting - time that busy parents also regain.
Stonyhurst is situated on a 1,000-acre estate in the stunning Ribble Valley and boasts over 430 years of rich tradition. The school attracts pupils from around the globe, including places like Mexico, Madrid, and Hong Kong, who integrate seamlessly with the weekly boarders throughout the week, creating a diverse and vibrant community. For local families, the school provides the opportunity to send their children to a globally diverse environment with a strong family identity and an extensive alumni network. With over 32 nationalities represented, Stonyhurst’s diverse global community allows pupils to form lifelong connections that span the globe, offering access to future travel and international opportunities while fostering a truly global perspective.
“Weekly boarding has not only improved my friendships that I already had but it has also given me the opportunity to meet more people from not only different countries but also mixing with different year groups or people you wouldn't usually interact with, I feel like this wouldn't have been possible for me without boarding during the week.” says Sophie, a current weekly boarding pupil.
With everything—from academics to friends and activities—safely under one roof, Stonyhurst provides a secure and convenient environment where pupils spend more time with friends, creating deeper connections that benefit their mental health. The engaging atmosphere also encourages pupils to be on their mobile phones much less, allowing for more face-to-face interactions and a healthier balance of social connections. The boarding experience helps pupils make friends from all over the world, boosting their confidence when visiting friends’ homes during the holidays and fostering a sense of belonging in an increasingly connected world.
In addition to social opportunities, weekly boarders benefit from structured study sessions and evening academic clinics, where they receive additional support and guidance from teachers. This focused environment not only helps them stay on top of their studies but also leads to stronger academic results. With fewer distractions than those who commute, weekly boarders have more time to focus on their academic growth and consistently achieve higher grades.
Boarders enjoy a well-balanced lifestyle, focusing on their studies during the week without distractions, and returning home on weekends for meaningful family time. With their schoolwork completed, they can fully unwind and make the most of quality time with parents, fostering deeper, more positive relationships free from the worry of unfinished tasks and weekday pressures.
"On weekends, we usually go out for dinner so I can catch up with my family and talk about everything that's happened during the week. It feels more special than seeing them every day, and I truly value our time together. It makes our moments more meaningful," says Mia, a current weekly boarding pupil.
For parents who are concerned about maintaining a supportive, structured environment while their children are away from home, weekly boarding at Stonyhurst provides a perfect balance. Houseparents, with their team of specialists at the heart of this support system, offering a nurturing and consistent parental presence that ensures pupils thrive both academically and personally. They play an essential role in guiding pupils through daily life, helping them manage their routines, build friendships, and overcome academic challenges.
Weekly boarding at Stonyhurst offers more than just academics; it helps prepare young people for the challenges of the wider world. Living on campus teaches pupils essential life skills such as time management, cooking, and structuring their day, while also fostering important qualities like understanding, kindness, and empathy. In this close-knit, diverse community, pupils learn to navigate social situations, understand others, and cultivate compassion. Boarding at Stonyhurst provides a true home-from-home experience, where pupils live together in an environment that celebrates diversity, promotes tolerance, and upholds an ethical and spiritual core, equipping them with the interpersonal skills needed to face life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
Sixth Form weekly boarders, in particular, enjoy exclusive evening access to the More Library and Historic Libraries, which house over 135,000 artefacts and historical books. This gives pupils the unique opportunity to engage with primary sources during evening study sessions, offering a taste of real-world university life. Additionally, the Sixth Form boarding experience includes evening access to the gym and the Health and Conditioning suite, further enriching their time on campus.
All boarders, not just Sixth Form, can also take advantage of early morning activities, including 6am circuit training sessions and 7am swims in the on-site 25-metre pool—opportunities that would be difficult to access without staying on-site. In the evenings, boarders can also participate in a range of cultural societies and activities late into the night, adding to the well-rounded and enriching boarding experience. Additionally, Stonyhurst offers more than 75 co-curricular activities for all pupils, ranging from sports and outdoor pursuits to music, drama, and academic clubs, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to explore their interests and develop new skills outside the classroom.
The majority of boarding houses have recently undergone extensive renovations as part of a £400,000 investment into the school, enhancing the overall boarding experience. This investment continues into the 2024/25 academic year enhancing the pupil experience.
For day pupils curious about boarding life, Stonyhurst offers three complimentary nights of boarding per year at a special rate, giving them the chance to experience the benefits of weekly boarding firsthand. This provides an ideal opportunity for pupils to immerse themselves in boarding life, experience those special moments which happen after the typical school day ends, participate in evening activities, and build closer bonds with their peers.
Weekly boarding at Stonyhurst offers pupils the full spectrum of opportunities—academic enrichment, strong personal connections, and the chance to be part of a global community. It is an experience that encourages independence, lifelong friendships, and success in both education and life beyond school.
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