UK Boarding Schools | Independent Schools | Private Schools

Community
Loretto is Scotland’s oldest independent boarding school. Its ethos promotes enthusiastic participation in all areas of school life, and stresses the value of teamwork and community. The School is deliberately small, made up of two parts, the Junior School (3–12) and the Senior School (12–18), allowing a purposeful and caring family atmosphere. Set within 85 acres of grounds, Loretto is located in the small coastal town of Musselburgh, six miles from the bustling cultural centre of Edinburgh. The School is 25 minutes by car from Edinburgh Airport and one hour away from Glasgow Airport.

Unique features
Acknowledged as a centre of excellence for its music, drama and art, Loretto has its own recording studio and radio station, and many former pupils now pursue successful careers in this field. The Loretto Golf Academy is renowned as one of the top golf schools in the UK and attracts many talented golfers from around the world.The School has dedicated sports coaches who offer year-round specialist coaching. Michael Powell, ex-Warwickshire professional and current batting coach to the Scottish national team, heads the Loretto Cricket Academy, and Stephen Dick, who has earned 100 caps for Scotland, coaches our hockey. Danny Rossouw guides the performance of our rugby as well as performing for Scotland in the fast-growing sport of touch rugby.

Academic
There is a rigorous academic programme and high expectations. GCSEs, AS- and A-levels are studied at Loretto. 36% of all A-levels sat in June 2009 were at grade A. 68% of all A-level exams taken were at A or B grades and there was a 100% pass rate.

Pastoral
The School was inspected in 2009 and received the top rating ‘very good’ in all but one area, which was classified as a good, from Her Majesty’s Inspectors. The facilities keep abreast of changing national academic demands, with modern, well-equipped specialist teaching areas. All boarding houses provide a thoroughly modern living and learning environment. There is a strong personal tutor system and much emphasis is placed on our highly regarded Sixth Form programme and competitive university entrance programme for preparing students for university.

Extracurricular activities
Loretto is constantly busy and all pupils make a regular commitment to extracurricular activities. Drama and music, including the famous Loretto pipes and drums and whole-school singing, are very popular, making use of the excellent concert hall, state-of-the-art recording studio and theatre facilities. In sport, team games are important. Boys play rugby, hockey and cricket; girls, hockey, lacrosse and tennis. There are also a wide range of individual pursuits available. Pupils take part in Community Service, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, adventure training and the Combined Cadet Force.

Scholarships and awards
A broad range of scholarships and bursaries are awarded annually, covering academic, music, art, drama, sport and golf.

Loretto gives a lot and simply asks in return that pupils give of their best.

Loretto School’s outstanding academic achievement recognised

Loretto School’s outstanding academic achievement and rigour has been recognised by one of the country’s leading independent schools’ web sites, ‘BestSchools.co.uk’. The web site attracts over 500,000 visitors a year, and is a source of crucial information for families searching for the United Kingdom’s finest educational institutions.

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Dual accolade for Loretto School’s Director of Rugby

LORETTO School’s Director of Rugby, Danny Rossouw’s outstanding contribution to youth Rugby coaching had been recognised by the Scottish Rugby Union with his appointment as the Edinburgh Under 17/Under 18 selector. His roll will be supporting the Scotland Under 17 and Under 18 coaching team with player identification and selection.

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Hong Kong Barbarian selection for Loretto duo

CELEBRATING sporting achievement at Loretto School in Edinburgh is quite the norm, but for two boarding pupils their 2012 New Year’s Day was something to remember. Both were selected to represent their respective age groups in one of the world’s most prestigious Rugby tournaments in their home country of Hong Kong.

Loretto School pupils, Philip Wong (18) and Wesley Yip (15) represented the Hong Kong Barbarian teams at the 45th Standard Chartered Youth Rugby Tournament at the famous Hong Kong Football Club.

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Loretto Navy CCF Visit to HMS Ganet - Royal Navy Search and Rescue

The Royal Navy CCF fifth form cadets enjoyed an excellent visit to the Royal Navy Search and Rescue centre at HMS GANET. During our visit we learnt the role the Royal Navy plays in providing search and rescue support within the UK and also were provided the opportunity of a flight in a Sea King Search and Rescue helicopter.

It was interesting to see the work that the Royal Navy does for society as well being introduced to all the specialist occupations that you can pursue as a member of the Royal Navy including; navigator, pilot, paramedic and meteorologist .

After a tour of the station including the helicopter hangers we were taken to the Ops room for a quick weather briefing and a run through a few safety issues. Having donned our helmets, ear and eye protectors we were then split into groups for our flight.

The actual flight experience was awesome, with some epic views over the Ayrshire coast. It was amazing to have the door open and the helicopter pilot treated us to a few banks and drops to ensure we experienced a range of flying conditions!

We all had an amazing day out and are very grateful to all the staff at HMS GANET for making it so memorable. We would also like to thank Mr Harbison and Mr Howie for all their work in making the day possible.


We are all looking forward to more Navy CCF experiences!

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Scotland debut for Loretto School pupils

The proud Rugby traditions at one of Scotland’s oldest independent schools have been upheld this week with a quartet of talented young rugby players catching the eye of Scotland selectors.

The quartet, from Loretto School in Edinburgh, have been picked to represent the Scottish Preparatory Schools’ Rugby XV after impressing scouts in recent outings.

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Loretto School win ‘FetLor Quaich'

Loretto School 1st XV runaway winners against rivals Fettes College
THERE has always been a long and proud friendship between Loretto School and Fettes College. Indeed, Scotland's oldest Youth Club, ‘FetLor', was established as a joint venture between Fettes College and Loretto School. The club was initially solely funded by the two schools. FetLor was officially opened on the 2nd January 1924

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Scholarships and Bursaries
A scholarship is a financial award for excellence and can be worth up to 50% of the fees. A bursary is a means-tested award for parents who could not otherwise afford the fees.
Scholarships
Scholarship awards are available in the following six categories:
• ACADEMIC
• ART
• DRAMA
• MUSIC
• SPORT
• GOLF
• ALL - ROUNDER (Junior School only)

In addition to this there are Almond Scholarships (Academic) which are available for Scottish state school pupils. These can be up to 100% of the cost of fees.
Scholarship awards are offered for entry from Year 6 (10 years) to Sixth Form.

For further details regarding Scholarships, the contact details for the Admissions Departments are:
Loretto Senior School
Tel: + 44 (0)131 653 4455 + 44 (0)131 653 4455.
Email: admissions@loretto.com;

Loretto Junior School
Tel: + 44 (0)131 653 4570 + 44 (0)131 653 4570,
Email: juniorschool@loretto.com.
Download our Scholarship brochure, Entrance Exams and Scholarship Dates 2011 entry and Application Form for detailed information about specific scholarships and application forms.

Bursaries
Bursary support is available to parents in financial need. Typically means-tested bursaries are worth up to 20% of the fees with the exception of the Almond Scholarships which are means-tested and worth up to 100% of the fees. All bursary awards require a financial statement from parents, which is treated in the strictest confidence. As advised by the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, the Headmaster will only consider bursary applications from those who have firmly committed themselves to Loretto and must have their child registered.
Children of parents serving in the Armed Forces are eligible for a 15% bursary on each child.

Pupils’ Experiences at Loretto

Roy Hui, Sixth Form Academic Scholar
"This is my first year at Loretto and I have already found that I get more than expected here, particularly on the academic side. I am studying 4 subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics, a typical science stream. Studying here is quite different from my previous school which was in Hong Kong, as learning is much more interactive and relaxed here, and that really helps me find studying more interesting.
"In Physics, we have had lots of practical lessons about force and motion, and talked about Newton's Laws of Motion which I really enjoyed. I am looking forward to learning more about outer space as I think that will be a most interesting topic.
"Biology is my favourite subject and I have found it a lot of fun here.We have done practicals like dissection of the lungs and the heart. Needless-to-say, that is definitely unforgettable. Learning in Chemistry is quite different; abstract things like atoms, electrons and the nucleus confuse me sometimes, but I still enjoy it because Chemistry lets me know how the things in this world are made.
"Mathematics, which is usually the most boring subject for me, is much more interesting than I thought. I have also joined the Senior Mathematics Challenge, although past Challenge questions really scare me... Loretto is not only a wonderful place for learning, but also a place that has broadened my interests."

Katie Yarrow, Sixth Form Art Scholar
"I was awarded an art scholarship when I joined the Third Form. I enjoy working in the art department and have my own space in the Sixth Form studio which makes the experience of studying art in the Upper Sixth more like being at an art college.
"The facilities are excellent and there is specialist teaching in drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles and ceramics. There are opportunities to try different techniques and ways of working. I have attended an evening life drawing class for the last two years and this has allowed me to develop my drawing skills. I have also had the opportunity to work with artists-in-residence.
"At AS level I engaged with a variety of processes and for my examination I embarked on a large mixed media landscape with a combination of techniques. I rose to the challenge and found that it gave me the confidence to approach my A2 year. I have recently completed my A2 Personal Study which examined how light influenced Claude Monet's work. To consolidate what I had learnt I did a painting looking over the sea in Devon with dramatic light coming through the clouds.
"I hope to undertake a foundation course next year and I am currently putting my portfolio together. I have found the structure of the A-Level course in Fine Art really good as it is portfolio based and has allowed me to grow as an artist and to reach my full potential."

Jack Fletcher, Fourth Form Drama Scholar
"When I was given an all-round scholarship to Loretto, majoring in art and drama, I was ecstatic because I had managed to get into a school which nearly everybody I knew had been talking about. The difference between Loretto and other places was immediately obvious from my first day: because of its size, everybody seemed to know everybody and they all seemed so friendly. Loretto is a place were you make life long friends.
"The facilities are much better than my old school.The thing that really impressed me was the theatre. A major part of my scholarship is drama, so I was really stunned by it. It has everything you need to put on a top class production."
Major theatrical productions over the last few years haveincluded Into the Woods, Twelfth Night, Summer Holiday, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Annie, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, HMS Pinafore, Journey's End, The Kissing Dance, DNA and The Real Inspector Hound.

Katy Thomson, Sixth Form Music Scholar
"When I joined Loretto little did I know that I would soon be touring Scotland, England and Spain (singing solo in Barcelona and Girona Cathedrals), singing to over 250 pupils my own age, playing and singing, twice, in the Royal Albert Hall. "The experiences I have had, thanks to the support of the School and my friends here, will stay with me throughout life. It is this support, and all the positive memories that come with it, that has led me on to win the UK Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year 2007, and to compete in the Edinburgh Competition Festival 2006 where I won the Oratorio Class and the Sheena McNeil Medal for English Speech and Song. The School suggested that I audition for the National Youth Choir of Scotland where I was accepted (despite being below the minimum required age) - I have learned so much and have enjoyed every minute of it!"
Adam Wraight, Sixth Form Golf Scholar
"I joined Loretto in the Sixth Form on a Golf Scholarship. I am now a member of Loretto's Elite Golf Squad and am looking forward to
taking part in the renowned HMC Schools Foursomes Championships this year - our team has a lot to live up to as last year we were runner-up and the year before overall winners.The golf programme at Loretto has been very beneficial to my game, as well as allowing me to play for the hockey 1st XI.
"I have had so many opportunities at Loretto that there really is nothing you cannot do if you want to. I would say to any new pupil that they should give of their best at all times and they will be rewarded both in the classroom and out. Loretto has the capacity to cater for every aspect of School life, whatever that may be. I am looking forward to moving on to University andknow that Loretto has given me the confidence to proceed with my further education in a positive way."

What our Sixth Form Pupils say about Loretto School

Lawrence Hui - Hong Kong.
“I would consider myself a workaholic and a music addict as I always commit myself to as many musical activities as possible, such as the choir, the small choir, the concert band, the chamber ensemble and the pipe band.
“Loretto provides a vast variety of performance opportunities in an unrivalled, friendly environment. As a member of the School choir, I have been enjoying singing in chapel services, performing at Loretto Day last year and singing Faure’s Requiem with the Musselburgh community. The most remarkable memory from choir last year was the trip to Barcelona.
“Performing in the Scholars Concert has also been one of the ultimate challenges in my school life.
“On the other hand, playing as a bass drummer in the pipe band is quite a different experience from being a classical musician. When the piping sound mixes with the beats from the snare drums, it creates an extraordinary military atmosphere. Playing with the pipe band has let me travel to the Food Festival in Mull and to Norway, giving me a lot of experience on the stage and broadening my understanding of the world.”

Anastasiya Kostyuchenko – Ukraine.
“My purpose for going to school in Scotland was to get a good education, and Loretto is considered to be one of the best boarding schools.
“Just after I arrived at Loretto I felt very comfortable and confident. Everyone was very friendly and supported me as a new student. The language and new environment were challenges. Nevertheless, I quickly adapted. The atmosphere in Loretto is very similar to home and staff are always ready to support you and give useful advice. This is what I thought a boarding school would be like! Undoubtedly, Loretto is giving me a great foundation for further education.”

Mateusz Starostka – Poland.
Ambition: to be a Doctor.

“Coming to Loretto was one of the best things that could have happened to me.  I have always been very interested in the Sciences, and coming to Loretto provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to explore these subjects.  I always feel that my teachers go beyond what is expected of them in order to provide the necessary support.
“I have had the chance to dissect rats’ and pigs’ eyes, not to mention doing some incredible experiments in the Chemistry lab.
“I believe that all of this has given me a firm foundation for studying medicine.”
“There’s a lot to do but our tutors are always very supportive. The atmosphere is hardworking but not forced.”
“In my final year at Loretto, I have chosen Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. There are always new challenges in Maths questions and there are many ways to work out the answers. This is what fascinates me most about Maths!”

Michael Wiederholt, Golf Academy – Germany.
Ambition: to be a Lawyer.
 
“Loretto is great!! You have got many opportunities and you can choose the subjects you want to do. That’s fantastic. In Germany where I used to go to school, you have got subjects you have to pick, like Maths, German, etc., and if you don’t like them, or you are not good at them, it can be a problem. 
“So my choice of subjects was: 1) Chemistry; 2.) French; 3) Maths; 4) Geography. I found that Chemistry was quite hard, but you are allowed to drop a subject, if you think you are not good enough, and choose a new subject (as I did). 
 “When I went to school in Germany I had many problems with Maths and I was wondering if it was a good choice to take Maths as an AS-Level, particularly as this is in a different language. But I’m really glad that I picked it, because the teachers (not only in Maths!) motivate you in a positive way, so that you always have the will to learn the stuff you need to.”

 Kirsty McKelvey – Scotland.
Ambition:  to be a Doctor.

“I joined the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. Having completed my Bronze Award, I decided to start the Gold Award. This involved doing physical recreation and community service over 12 to 18 months, as well as a week long residential project. The main parts of the Award were the expeditions and practice trips. My group was a great mix of people, and we bonded well.

“Our expedition on the Isle of Mull turned out to be the most fun I’d had in a long time! There were two Gold groups on the trip; we walked separately during the day then camped together in the evening. Luckily we were blessed with good weather for most of the trip. The constant swarms of midges were the only drawback!

“My most vivid memory is traipsing along a single track road in the pouring rain, every part of my body aching, looking up and seeing the Tobermory sign in the distance; our final port of call. It was the biggest sense of achievement!

“I think the Duke of Edinburgh is a great addition to school life. It requires strength, both mentally and physically, as it’s hard to keep a group’s morale up when they’re half way up a mountain in the pouring rain.”

“I have learnt a lot from participating in extra-curricular activities such as hockey and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. I am trained to take responsibilities, to be independent and patient. I know my strengths and weaknesses. This has given me a head start”.

“At all times the Life Skills programme is flexible and can be fitted to the needs of the student body and the requirements of the outside world.  Debating topics is fully encouraged”.

 

Tony Ho Lam Chu – Hong Kong.
Ambition: to be a successful Businessman. 

“I enjoy doing sports a lot, especially Rugby and Hockey. They are sports which I had never done before I came to Loretto. I was also on a Rugby Tour to South Africa and had a fantastic time (and ate tons of meat!). The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme is one of the extra-circular activities that I participate in. I have gained Bronze and Silver Awards and I will finish Gold soon. 

“Getting into the 1st XV rugby squad is the high point of this year. This is what most boys want to do before they leave school. Playing rugby and hockey matches against other schools has taught me the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. Also my confidence has been built up from playing matches.

“I have learnt to speak English fluently and to be more enthusiastic and optimistic. I would like to continue playing rugby and hockey at university.”

 
Felicia Postica, HMC Scholar - Moldova.

“In my opinion Loretto is very friendly and nice. From the first days I came here I managed to talk to everybody, because all the students were very welcoming. The school is small and everybody gets to know each other in one week. The staff are brilliant. The teachers are always ready to help, to answer all your questions and to explain topics to you as many times as necessary. “I am doing four subjects: Maths, Business Studies, ICT and French. I was surprised by the diversity in the teaching methods, which help you get good results from your studies.”
“I worked as a sales director in our Young Enterprise, ‘Salamander’. We arranged a profitable cabaret show and produced beautiful Christmas cards”.
“I really enjoyed the whole businessdynamics course...”

Jennifer Fletcher,
Head of Balcarres, Sixth Form Girls’ House, and Head of Girls’ Games

“I imagine my first experiences of Loretto have been relatively similar to those of a new student. From the very first day of arriving at Loretto I have felt ‘at home’. I believe this is the key to Loretto. It is small enough to be a home from home where students are known and treated as individuals, and yet large enough to provide students with the opportunities that any school would provide academically, in extra-curricular activities and on the sports field.

“Loretto is genuinely a very friendly, caring and happy community. New students are put at ease quickly, not only with the help of their ‘shadow’, but by a willing, helpful student population. In every aspect of School life each individual’s progress is of great importance, and the School provides the environment to help each student reach his/her full potential.

“In House we endeavour to create an atmosphere where students feel it is their home. They learn to live with such a wide range of people and develop real respect for each individual regardless of their nationality. They are encouraged to gain independence in mind and spirit. The students have a voice through the House Council and have a say in how their House is run. The refreshing thing about Loretto is that their input is genuinely valued and acknowledged.

“Leavers will depart with the best possible preparation for further education and their working lives. If they have thrown themselves into school life with energy and enthusiasm they will have got a great deal out of being here. They will have found out the true meaning of lasting friendship, and learnt how to set the highest possible personal standards.”