Stonyhurst community calls for consultation on school restructuring

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Members of the Stonyhurst community, including parents, staff, alumni, and current students, have expressed concern regarding the recently announced restructuring plans for Stonyhurst College and its preparatory school, St Mary's Hall.

The announcement, made on May 13th, outlines a transition of students aged 11-13 from St Mary's Hall to the main college site, effectively making Stonyhurst an 11+ entry senior school.

The lack of prior consultation has caused significant anxiety. Many, particularly alumni and parents, fear this change will disrupt the unique and cherished atmosphere of St Mary's Hall, potentially jeopardising its claim as the nation's oldest preparatory school.

This move is further questioned given the background of Stonyhurst College Headmaster, Mr. John Browne. Mr. Browne, a former headmaster of London's leading Catholic prep school, Westminster Cathedral Choir School, previously championed the importance of prep schools retaining year groups 7 and 8.

The restructuring also coincides with a broader trend within the Catholic independent sector. Stonyhurst is currently the last remaining 13+ Catholic boarding school in the UK, following similar shifts by Ampleforth, Downside, and The Oratory School. This has led some to suggest the Catholic sector is losing ground in prestige compared to its Protestant counterparts like Eton, Harrow, and Radley, which all maintain a 13+ intake.

The underlying concern appears to be a potential decline in enrollment, particularly under a potential Labour government that might introduce VAT on private school fees, further adding to already substantial costs. This economic pressure often forces cost-cutting measures that can compromise the distinctive pastoral care traditionally offered by Catholic independent schools. Stonyhurst, the world's oldest Jesuit school and alma mater to three saints, is no exception to these anxieties.

The Stonyhurst community is united in requesting that the proposed changes be delayed for at least a year. This pause would allow for a comprehensive consultation process involving parents, staff, students, and alumni. Such a collaborative approach is crucial to ensure the preservation of the unique culture and cherished traditions that have fostered generations of happy memories for the Stonyhurst family.

This statement has been compiled by an anonymous group of those associated with Stonyhurst College and its prep School St Mary's Hall.

LINK

Stonyhurst: www.stonyhurst.ac.uk/