The Stonyhurst Foundation was truly saddened to hear in April 2020 of the untimely death of Adrian Aylward. Adrian was a remarkable man who gave great service to Catholic education throughout a long and distinguished career.

Adrian became the second Stonyhurst lay Headmaster in 1996 and served in that capacity for ten years.

During his tenure extensive building projects were undertaken, such that by the time of Adrian's departure as Headmaster refurbishment had taken place in most areas of the school: the Old Infirmary, the Lower Grammar, Grammar and Higher Line Playrooms, all dormitories, the Plunge, the Sodality Chapel, the Top Ref, the Do Room, the Long Room, the Bayley Room, the More Library, the Syntax Wing and the Shooting Range as well as landscaping and redesign to allow for the building of the all-weather sports pitch. In 1997 he oversaw the introduction of girls to Stonyhurst St Marys Hall, an important step in Stonyhursts journey to full co-education.

In 2003 he set up The Stonyhurst Access Appeal to widen access to the College to those from lower income families. Departing in 2006, Adrian left behind a school well-prepared for the future.

Adrian is remembered by all who knew him as a deeply kind, compassionate and caring man. A man who lived his faith and was a great example of how to conduct oneself with integrity, generosity, love, and good humour.

The Stonyhurst Foundation is delighted to raise funds in Adrians memory which aims to provide funds towards a boarding bursary or award to Stonyhurst. The Stonyhurst Foundation intends to create a designated fund within its investments for this purpose. This fund is intended to be an income fund available to provide funding towards a boarding place at Stonyhurst for a deserving pupil.