Loretto School has flourished as a school since its establishment in 1827, 6 miles from Edinburgh, on the banks of the River Esk and surrounded by the beautiful countryside of East Lothian. It is a non-denominational, co-educational boarding and day school and provides for full and flexi boarders, as well as for day pupils, with a distinctive emphasis on the full development of the individual through academic, intellectual, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic pursuits in a fine, secure environment.
Loretto is a small school, big on heart and big on ambition. Its distinctive ethos fosters in its pupils a quiet confidence in themselves and a spirit of readiness to succeed in the changing world beyond school. Loretto School is a small community where staff and pupils know each other personally.
Classes are deliberately small so that proper individual attention is possible; recent examination results have been outstanding. Boys and girls take part in a very wide range of activities. Its pupils, from 0 to 18 years, are known and valued for themselves and are expected to respect and support each other. The School makes the fullest use of its proximity to Edinburgh, enabling pupils to take advantage of the music, drama, museums and art galleries, as well as giving opportunities for sport and leisure in this capital city. To the east lie the golf courses which provide the fairway for The Golf Academy at Loretto.
An excellent staff/pupil ratio (1:8) ensures an environment that stimulates, supports and nurtures the potential in everyone. The academic programme aims to challenge pupils and to recognise and reward effort and attainment. A full range of curricular subjects – humanities; drama, music and art; languages and sciences; ICT and business; physical education – is offered. The depth, breadth and quality of a Loretto education encourages each pupil to achieve his or her personal best and to enjoy doing so. Pupils are prepared for success in GCSE, AS and A-Level and for a choice of good university careers thereafter.
Loretto School is also running the AQA Extension Project Scheme which contributes to UCAS points. In 2016 30.7% of all A Levels sat were at grade A*/A. 87.5% of GCSEs were at A*-C grades. Virtually all pupils go on to higher education and 95% of pupils enter their chosen university. Loretto is ranked in the top 7% of schools nationally for value-added at A-Level.
Boarding at Loretto School
The School is made up of around 600 girls and boys, from Pre-School all the way up to Upper Sixth Form. Pupils can board from 11 years, and more than two-thirds choose to do so during their school career.
