An Education Like No Other
A global community, Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall provides an unrivalled education for local children as well as those from around the world
With a 430-year legacy of excellence and set in breathtaking countryside grounds, Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall Prep School transcends the ordinary with exceptional educational experiences, at a competitive cost. With fees comparable to other local schools and a superior offering that surpasses any other, Stonyhurst enriches lives both now and for years to come.
As parents, we all seek the best educational experience for our children, a nurturing environment where they can flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Well, look no further. In the heart of the picturesque Ribble Valley lies a beacon of educational excellence unlike any other. St Mary’s Hall Prep School stands unrivalled in its commitment to fostering holistic development, instilling lifelong values and providing a myriad of opportunities for young minds to explore and excel.
Within Stonyhurst’s safe and inspiring 1000-acre estate over 40 extra-curricular activities await Prep School pupils, catering to a range of diverse interests and passions, led by those who are every bit as passionate in helping the children discover new talents and unleash potential outside of the classroom. Whether it’s sport, music or arts, or even activities not as readily available in the local region, such as archery, fencing and street dancing, there’s something for everyone to immerse themselves in, cultivating a love for learning outside of academia.
Many of the activities are supported by facilities that are nothing short of exceptional, with many including the professional theatre, 25m swimming pool, golf simulator, tennis dome and sports hall, enabling year-round participation. There is also an Olympic-sized AstroTurf pitch along with a range of outdoor sport pitches for rugby, football, cricket, hockey, golf and netball. Weekly swimming lessons, in particular, will also be included in the fees from this September.
And there is even more for families to get excited about, with a new, state-of-the-art dance studio being built for September 2024, along with further projects throughout the next academic year, including a new art and design room, fully refurbished science labs to accommodate food technology and additional outdoor play areas. This is all part of a £400,000 investment by Stonyhurst in the pupil experience to take education and opportunities to the next level.
For aspiring athletes, the school’s connections with professional sports clubs provide unparalleled opportunities for growth and development. Pupils have access to experienced, knowledgeable coaches, including Director of Tennis, David Shaw, who has been recognised as the LTA Performance Coach of the Year for his work on the Stonyhurst tennis programme, with all the sports facilities allowing pupils to hone their skills on the same grounds where regional and national champions are made.
On-site there is also a working observatory and the captivating Stonyhurst Museum, home to over 100,000 artefacts and historical books, which is utilised as a unique resource to spark curiosity and bring elements of the curriculum to life through interactive learning. There aren’t many schools, after all, where pupils can handle dinosaur fossils and shark teeth, and get up close to items of huge historical significance, such as Shakespeare’s First Folio and Christ’s Crown of Thorns.
Stonyhurst also understands the importance of a healthy body as well as a sharp mind, which is why all school meals are included in the fees, ensuring that every child receives nutritious, balanced meals throughout the day, with healthy eating habits strongly encouraged to promote overall wellbeing. This is supported by the inclusivity and diversity of the Prep School, where the global community of several nationalities from all corners of the world enriches pupils’ perspectives and broadens their horizons as they become comfortable with peers from different cultures to their own, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
And at the core of Stonyhurst’s ethos are the Jesuit values, woven throughout all aspects of school life, that help to shape compassionate, selfless and confident individuals, striving to make the world a better place for all, particularly the most vulnerable. Through a curriculum infused with principles of service, empathy and integrity, pupils are not only academically enriched but also equipped with a moral compass to navigate the complexities of the world around them. This emphasis on character development sets Stonyhurst apart, nurturing well-rounded future leaders of positive change, who are as inspiring as they are respected.
Peace of mind is also offered for busy parents thanks to the wrap-around care at St Mary’s Hall, where from 8am to 6pm they can be assured in the knowledge that their child is safe and being supported throughout the day. Whether it’s help with homework, which can be done after lessons have ended for the day, or evening activities and extra social time with friends, the dedicated staff go above and beyond to ensure that every child’s needs are met.
In conclusion, Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall stands alone as more than a school, but an entire experience of genuine value for children and their parents alike that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.
It is an excellent foundation for any young person, regardless of their aspirations, where every effort is made and provided for them to not only reach but maximise their potential. The unique environment has inspired and played a key role in starting the successful careers of many individuals, so the only question is whether you are ready for your child to join this extraordinary journey of learning, growth and discovery?
Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall
Stonyhurst, Clitheroe BB7 9PU
01254 827073
stonyhurst.ac.uk
