Academic Scholarships

Download a pdf our of Scholarships brochure and Scholarship Application Form

The academic scholars' programme consists of an extensive academic curriculum that encompasses the traditional Sciences and Humanities as well as Languages, Maths and a fantastic Creative Arts schedule. Beyond the day-to-day academia there are activities that stretch the mind in Maths, History and Philosophy as well as practical extensions such as Stock Market Trading and Young Enterprise.

General Academic Scholarships

Open to pupils from all types of schools.

Assessments

Second Form (12 years) English, Maths, VRQ
Third Form (13 years) English, Maths, VRQ
Fourth Form (14 years) English, Maths, VRQ
Fifth Form (15 years) English, Maths,VRQ
Lower Sixth Form (16 years),VRQ, English, Maths, general knowledge, 2 papers of candidate's choice taken from our curriculum list.
All candidates are interviewed and confidential references are requested from their present school.

Almond Academic Scholarships

These major academic scholarships are open to pupils currently at Scottish state schools and offer a life changing opportunity. There are four awards available a year for pupils entering the Second (12 years), Third (13 years) and Sixth Forms (16 years). The value of the scholarship is worth up to 50% of fees. Means-tested bursary support to supplement the scholarship is available up to 100% of fees.

Candidates sit the general academic scholarship exams (detailed above) plus a further demanding academic exam based on the curriculum for year of entry. All candidates are interviewed and confidential references are equested from their present school.

Expectations

All scholars are expected to keep up a good standard of academic effort and achievement, and attend all of the programme of events for scholars. Academic scholars should be looking for ways to extend themselves beyond the curriculum and bring those ideas to teaching staff. Extensive reading lists are available for advanced students and these should be used as a guide to educational breadth.

Progression

Academic scholars' progress is monitored by the Director of Studies and the Gifted and Talented Programme Co-ordinator.They meet regularly with scholars to discuss their individual study programmes.A careful eye is maintained on the progress of all Loretto's Scholars, as well as those boys and girls who have not been awarded a scholarship but who are doing well academically; it is amongst this group, in particular, that potential Oxbridge candidates are identified and developed.

Further education

Lorettonians generally leave school for University having completed three, four or five A-levels. The majority of pupils gain entrance to their first choice of University. A high proportion follow traditional academic routes to English Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Bath or Durham and highly regarded Scottish institutions including Edinburgh, St Andrews or Aberdeen Universities.

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."