Stonyhurst wins national charity award

Stonyhurst is delighted to have won the national ‘Charitable Work Champion’ award in the School House Magazine Awards 2023.

Stonyhurst’s former Head Boy, Dilip Gosall, (OS23) scooped the award thanks to his outstanding charitable efforts during his time at the school, whose Jesuit values of being ‘men and women for others’ encourage pupils to make a positive difference in the world. From fundraising initiatives to volunteer programs, every young person at Stonyhurst helps to drive the spirit of giving back.

Today’s award from leading industry publication, School House, recognises the extraordinary examples of what independent schools are doing beyond the classroom. There were thousands of entries across the seven categories, judged by a five-strong judging panel, resulting in seven worthy winners.

Stonyhurst beat off stiff competition from Millfield School, Somerset and Claremont Fan Court School, Surrey to secure the ‘Charitable Work Champion’ award, with judge Julia Martin, Chief Executive of ISEB, bowled over by Stonyhurst’s ‘impressive’ list of charity involvement. Editor, Victoria Lambert admired how the school’s ‘integral and holistic approach’ results in pupils like Dilip achieving all that he has, during his 11 years’ at the school - despite Covid and overcoming a life-threatening heart transplant.

This is the second time in a week that Dilip, aged 18, has clinched silverware for his charitable work. Last week, he received the Inspirational Young Adult award at the Best of Lancashire Awards – which celebrates the bravery and achievements of adults and young people across the county.

Over the past five years, Dilip has been a volunteer at a local charity, Maundy Relief, which offers immediate support to those in poverty, and was appointed their youngest trustee. He has been instrumental in raising funds for the charity and completed a 500-mile walk from Accrington to John O’Groats with his fellow trustees. He was also awarded the British Citizen Youth Award at the Palace of Westminster and is an Ambassador for the Model United Nations – a platform where young people discuss global issues.

During his time at Stonyhurst, Dilip was the first Poetry (Lower Sixth) pupil to receive the Gold Diploma which recognises exceptional leadership of co-curricular life. He was nominated by the Director of Christian Formation for work and commitment to the Faith in Action Award.

Commenting on the recent awards, John Browne, Headmaster said: “This is another phenomenal achievement from Dilip, who has a relentless passion in helping others. He is an outstanding part of our Stonyhurst family and continues to be a shining example of a ‘young man for others’ through his continual selfless acts and charitable initiatives.

“Stonyhurst pupils don’t just help others tick a box, many pupils have developed an innate passion for helping others so much. They spend their holidays and spare time helping others in their local or even international communities. We are very proud of everything Dilip and all our pupils achieve, day in, day out, here at Stonyhurst.”

Dilip concluded: “I joined Stonyhurst at the tender age of seven, journeying from St Mary’s Hall through to the College. I have fond memories of my school days. Stonyhurst has been integral in cultivating me into the young man I am today.”

Stonyhurst was recently awarded the highest possible rating of ‘excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, praising the quality of pupils’ academic achievements and the quality of the pupils’ personal development. The Inspectors identified that ‘pupils make excellent contributions to the local community and embrace opportunities to contribute towards improving the lives of others.’