Overseas pupils

Loretto welcomes pupils from around the world who bring with them a diverse range of cultures which enhance the overall culture of the School. Loretto's non-demoninational status provides a relaxed environment allowing pupils from different cultures to fit in easily and mix freely. Overseas pupils with specific cultural needs are catered for in the most appropriate and sensitive way.

Pupils can board from age 8 years although most boarders join the School from age 10. Current international pupils are from Spain, France, China, Hong Kong, Germany, and USA to name but a few. Loretto currently has pupils from 16 different countries, ranging over four continents.

Click here to see our video clips in German and Mandarin and Loretto Boarding Blog by Jaqueline Y11.

International pupil essays on boarding in the UK:

International Boarder of the Year Essays - winning entries.
Imagine your parents want you to leave your UK boarding school and return home. How would you persuade them to let you stay?
In what respects has your UK boarding education prepared you to take a positive role in the wider world when you leave school?

Location

Edinburgh and Glasgow airport is within easy reach of the School and there are daily flights to all parts of Europe. London Heathrow and Gatwick, and Amsterdam are both very convenient and provide onward connections to cities all over the world.

Learning English

We want all international students, for whom English is not their first language, to become fluent in English as fast as possible to boost their confidence and help them with their studies. Most are prepared for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This is studied intensively over one year in four lessons per week in classes of only 3 to 5 students, instead of over two years which is more common elsewhere. This faster, more focused approach works well and frees students up to concentrate on their A-Levels in their final year, and usually equips them with high enough scores for entry into the best British universities.

Guardianship

Overseas pupils are asked to have a guardian in the UK with whom they can spend some overnight leaves, half-term and if necessary, longer holidays as the boarding houses close during all vacations. Guardians are welcome to attend parents' evenings and School functions and we encourage them to take on the role of the absent parent. The School's Overseas Coordinator can recommend Guardian Agencies for families who have no friends or relations in the UK.

Fees

Overseas pupils pay the same school fee as UK based pupils for full board and academic tuition. Should pupils require English as a Second Language lessons will be provided at an additional cost. Tuition fees charged are dependent on the hours needed and on the number of students taught together.

Once you have received an offer of a place at Loretto, you will be asked to return a form stating whether or not you accept it - at this point you have signed a legal binding contract with the School. You will also be requested to send an acceptance deposit (Overseas Pupils £1000). This deposit will be refunded to you when your child leaves school. Follow this link for information about Fees

Entrance Procedure

Click here to request our prospectus pack and for details about how to visit Loretto

Once you have made the decision to apply, the first step would be to complete a registration form and return it to the Admissions Department (admissions@loretto.com).

Important Information regarding visas for Non EU students

All students from non EU countries require a student visa to study at Loretto. Students need to apply to the UK Border Agency for a Tier 4 General Student entry visa. The process and requirements for obtaining this visa have been changed and we urge parents to start their visa application process as soon as possible to avoid any delay.

If your child holds a passport from a non EU country, please let us know as soon as possible as you will require a formal visa letter from the School confirming your child's place at Loretto. You will need to present this letter to the UK Border Agency in order to obtain your visa. Your child will not be allowed to study at Loretto until you have a valid visa. We will require the following information for your visa letter: your child's passport number and full name as it appears on the passport; full contact details for you, your child and any legal guardian. Your child's date of birth and nationality.

All visa applications will need to prove to the UK Border Agency that sufficient funds are available for a child's maintenance and teaching costs at Loretto for a whole academic year. Your visa letter will detail your fees for the year less any sum already paid in the form of deposit to Loretto School. Your visa letter will also detail information regarding bursary or scholarship funds if this is relevant to your child. You will need to supply a bank statement or letter with additional bank documentation confirming that you have enough money available to cover your course fees and monthly living costs for a whole year at the time you submit your visa application. You must have held the money for at least 28 days prior to the date of the visa application.

Please contact your education agent, local British Embassy/Consulate or the UK Border Agency, T 00 44 (0)114 207 2867 at www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/hhowtoapply/vafs/ http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/, for further details about applying for a student visa to study at Loretto.

Follow the links for further information:
entrance assessments.
admissions process.
Bursaries and Scholarships at Loretto