I am truly honoured says the new headteacher of top Lancashire boarding school Stonyhurst
The new head of a leading boarding school in Lancashire has spoken of his honour and his eagerness to join their community.
A new headteacher has taken the reins at a top Lancashire boarding school.
Stonyhurst, near Clitheroe, has announced that Mr William Doherty has formally taken up his post as Head, beginning his leadership on Friday, May12026.
Mr Doherty joins Stonyhurst from Xavier College, Melbourne, bringing over 30 years’ experience in education, including extensive leadership within Jesuit schools.
The school says Mr Doherty’s appointment marks an important moment for Stonyhurst as it continues to build on its distinctive mission and global outlook.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr Doherty said: “I am truly honoured to be appointed as Head of Stonyhurst. I look forward to joining this remarkable community and to building upon its strong foundations, guided by the Jesuit ethos of cura personalis – care for the whole person.”
Founded in 1593, Stonyhurst is the oldest continuously active Jesuit school in the world and is part of a global Jesuit network.
The school combines a rich heritage with a progressive, outward-looking approach, welcoming pupils from 38 countries and offering both A level and International Baccalaureate pathways.
In his welcome message to the Stonyhurst community, Mr Doherty also reflects on the distinctive nature of a Stonyhurst education, highlighting its focus on forming well-rounded young people through academic ambition, co-curricular breadth and a strong sense of purpose rooted in Jesuit values.
He added: “At Stonyhurst, we balance tradition with an appetite for innovation, offering a truly global education within the Jesuit tradition. Ultimately, we don’t just prepare our pupils as a score, but rather, we prepare our pupils for life, forming principled, outward-looking individuals ready to make a meaningful difference in the world.”
The Chair of Governors welcomed the appointment, noting Mr Doherty’s extensive experience in Jesuit education and his strong understanding of the values that underpin Stonyhurst’s mission.
The Governors expressed confidence that he will lead the school with integrity, vision and a strong commitment to the formation of young people.
Stonyhurst adds that it continues to deliver strong academic outcomes, with its focus on value-added progress recognised among leading schools nationally, ensuring every pupil achieves their full potential.
Mr Doherty’s leadership will continue Stonyhurst’s commitment to educating pupils not only for academic success, but for lives of meaning, responsibility and service to others.