Loretto Sixth Form (16-18 years)
Download a pdf version of the sixth form brochure or call Admissions on +44 (0)131 653 4455.
Loretto offers a range of scholarships to particularly talented students.
Look at our Sixth Form facilities on Flickr slideshow.
Under the watchful eye of Head of Sixth Form, Dr David Adamson, Loretto prepares each individual for life after school.
More than 80% of the Sixth Form community choose to board, but a significant minority are day students who benefit from the long day with various finishing times and the ability to flexi-board.
There are around 150 Sixth Formers at Loretto. About 50 of our Fifth Form move up into the Lower Sixth each year. This group is enriched by new students from other UK schools, as well as from all over the world. About a third of students are from overseas countries as diverse as Germany and Hong Kong. This includes expats as well as foreign nationals.
Loretto focuses on preparing its students for the two year A-Level cours. Beyond the examination curriculum, Loretto enjoys a vibrant 'academic enrichment programme' . This is designed to spark curiosity, develop ideas, and prepare pupils for the rigours of university study. There is a balance between academic demands and other activities e.g. Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Cadet Force, Adventure Training, Music, Sport, Drama etc. that has to be achieved; this means taking on the responsibility of organizing personal time. Many of these activities aim to develop areas such as leadership skills, personal responsibility, self-confidence, communication, and team work.
Members of the Sixth Form live in the Sixth Form Boarding Houses and Schoolhouse, which is for day pupils . Most of the boarders have single study bedrooms with the exception of some Lower Sixth girls who have double rooms. There is also a Sixth Form Centre which has designated areas for independent academic study, university admissions, individual tutoring and socializing. The aim is to create an ambience more like a university's and provide good opportunities to develop leadership skills.
House parents and live-in tutors provide pastoral and wellbeing care for every student. The Sixth Form Tutor provides another layer of support, part pastoral and part academic. Tutors are chosen by pupils and they are charged with guiding their ten or so tutees through the last two years at Loretto. The Sixth Form tutor's remit is wide, including supporting tutees' co-curricular interests, pastoral care, setting academic targets, writing reports and assessments, as well as guiding tutees through university applications and careers advice.
Helping students select and gain a place at their preferred university is one of the main focuses of careers advice. In the Upper Sixth year, individual assistance is given with UCAS preparation, interview techniques and CV writing. Each student has meetings with the Higher Education Adviser to discuss courses and their personal statements for university applications. Those considering Oxbridge entrance receive a tailored support package.
Approximately a third of leavers choose to broaden their minds by having a Gap Year.