Welcome from the Headmaster

'' I have been fortunate to be the Headmaster at Stonar since 2019 and live on our beautiful school site with my wife and three children. After a period in the British Army as an Infantry Officer, I became a teacher and have worked in boarding and day schools for 25 years, including ten years as a boarding Housemaster. I am very proud to be the Head of such a wonderful school and remain deeply committed to its continued progress and development.

Indeed, Stonar is thriving with a full school roll and significant ongoing investment and development in facilities, as well as in our curricular and co-curricular provisions. Why the growth and success? I think it is because parents identify with the driving purpose of the School. At Stonar, we summarise our approach in three simple, yet important, words, ‘Achieve with joy’.

Stonar is a kind, calm, caring, family-orientated school. But do not mistake these words as euphemisms for a lack of achievement. Our pupils want achievement; strive for achievement; and see achievement.

In fact, we believe that joy is the catalyst for extraordinary achievement. It's the spark that ignites curiosity, fosters resilience, and empowers our pupils to reach their full potential. Our pupils experience joy through academic triumphs, artistic expressions, athletic victories, and the enduring friendships they forge. This approach to education ensures that our pupils not only excel academically but also develop into well-rounded, confident individuals, who are prepared to make a positive impact on and shape the world.

For far too many young people, achievement often comes with a price not worth paying. Here at Stonar, achievement comes with something very different. ‘With’ might seem like an unimportant preposition. But at Stonar ‘with’ describes the care and love that is at the heart of all our relationships. Here ‘with’ means together, supported, known. At Stonar, achievement comes with joy. Finding the right balance is not easy, but it is what we strive for.

Stonar is a place where children have the freedom to be themselves without the fear of being judged, and this, in turn, encourages their motivation to succeed. Our pupils retain their joy because they are not pressured to conform, but rather encouraged to blossom and discover their true passions. 

Numerous studies show that the most important factor by far in determining success in adulthood is emotional stability and wellbeing as a teenager. It is significantly more important than qualifications, but that said, these same young people achieve 20% better results as well.

Our pupils achieve with joy – that is joy, rather than happiness. I prefer the word joy; I think happiness can be fleeting, it can be shallow. Joy, however, is a profound belief in yourself and your own value. A knowledge that the people around you truly care about you. That you are free to explore every opportunity that comes your way. That you are safe.

So, what kind of environment do you envision for your child's education? One where achievement is paramount, or one where it's balanced with emotional stability and joy? I invite you to pay us a visit to discover how achievement comes with joy at our wonderful and charming school."

Matthew Way,
Headmaster