Visiting Loretto
Choosing the right school for your child is an extremely important decision and we strongly advise that you visit Loretto School so that you meet staff and pupils and see the facilities. Below are three possible pathways.
Arrange a visit to the School - parent only, or parent and child to meet Headmaster.
Prospective parents and pupils are strongly encouraged to visit Loretto and see "the School in action". You can visit the School throughout the year but to get a proper idea of the School we would encourage you to visit during term time when you will see a normal working day. Morning visits during the week are the best time to visit although visits can also be arranged for a Saturday morning. This can either be an individual visit or at one of our Open Mornings.
Each visit is tailored to your specific needs, however, the usual format is a meeting with the Headmaster, a housemaster or mistress and a tour of the campus with pupil tour guides. You should allow two and a half hours for a visit. We would also be delighted to arrange meetings with other staff members during your visit e.g. Director of Academic Studies, Music, or Sport - perhaps over lunch - so you could sample daily life at School.
On Open mornings you have an opportunity to meet parents of other prospective pupils, to see some classes taking place, observe some activities and tour the campus. There will be a presentation from senior members of staff and an opportunity to ask questions and talk to school representatives, both staff and pupils.
Experience a day and night in the "Life of a Lorettonian"
To help your son/daughter decide whether Loretto is the school for him/her, we can arrange a 'taster' day and/or an overnight visit at Loretto. We would suggest that you child is 8 years of age or over to take part in this.
Your child would be met by the Admissions staff on arrival and then introduced to their 'pupil shadows' who will be of similar age to your child. The shadows will look after your child during their visit and your child will get an insight into every day life at Loretto. This will include attending lessons, meeting staff, staying either in the day house or boarding house with their year group, and meeting the Headmaster.
If your child is going to spend a day with us or an overnight, he or she should wear smart, casual clothes or his or her own school uniform. They should bring a pencil case and notepad with them and a book to read. We will advise you if trainers and some games clothes will also be needed. The Senior School Admissions Office will always write to you clearly stating the itinerary for the visit and what your child should bring. We request you notify us of any allergies and any medical complaints so our catering and medical staff are kept informed in case of emergencies.
Other opportunities to visit
In addition to formal tours, parents and their families are also welcome to visit us at School events. These include concerts; some chapel services; theatrical productions, music concerts, sport events and many others. Further details of these events can be found on our website www.loretto.com. Should you wish to receive email communication about these please subscribe to our weekly e-news via our website or contact the Admissions Department who will arrange for you to be added to the email distribution list.
To contact the Senior School:
Fiona Gordon, Director of Admissions, Jennifer Shooter, Admissions Assistant, Kerry McLean, Admissions Assistant (hrs Mon - Fri 8.30 - 5.30)
admissions@loretto.com, T: 00 44 (0) 131 653 4455, F: 00 44 (0) 131 653 4456, Admissions Department, School House, Loretto School, Musselburgh, EH21 7RE, Scotland.
Mairi Gillies, Headmaster's PA, juniorschool@loretto.com, T: 00 44 (0) 131 653 4570 F: 44 (0) 131 653 457, North Esk Lodge, North High Street, Musselburgh, EH21 6JA, Scotland.