Entrance Assessments at Loretto
Download our Scholarships brochure 2008
Loretto Senior School (age 12+)
What happens at an entrance assessment?
The purpose of the assessment is to find out whether your child would be happy at Loretto and whether the School can meet his/her educational needs. The actual assessment is different for each age and usually consists of an exam and interview.
The majority of children join the School at the start of the academic year in September, but it is possible for pupils to start at other times of the year if places are still avaiable. A number of year groups can become oversubscribed. Once entry to a year group is full, places may be offered on a waiting list.
Junior School
Nursery 3 - 5 years, Junior School 5 - 12 years
Entrance assessments for the Junior School can be at any time of the year. For all applicants, there is an informal interview with the Headmaster of the Junior School.
For entry to the Nursery (3-5 years) there is an informal interview with parents and children.
For entry to Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 (5 to 8 years), children have an informal interview. Parents may or may not be present depending on parents' wishes.
For entry to Years 5, 6 and 7 (8/9 to 11/12 years). Children have an informal interview and also sit assessments in verbal reasoning, Maths and English. It is most helpful if parents bring in a copy of their child's most recent school report.
Senior School Entry (12 - 18 years)
Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth Form entry (12 - 15 years)
Assessment papers in English, Mathematics , non-verbal and verbal reasoning and an interview.
Lower Sixth Form entry (16 years)
Assessment papers in English, Mathematics, non verbal, verbal reasoning, critical thinking , general knowledge and an interview. Candidates wil also be asked to sit an exam in two subjects taken from the Loretto curriculum list. A minimum entry requirement for pupils joining Lower Sixth Form is 56GCSE's at Grade C or above - and the subjects passed must include English and Mathematics for UK pupils.
Overseas Pupils (where English is not their first language)
Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth or Lower Sixth Form entry (12 - 16 years)
Assessment papers in English (written paper and an English speaking test -to be taped onto either an audio tape, video tape or DVD) and a Mathematics paper. Tests can be undertaken at the applicant's present school or via one of our overseas Agents. Overseas pupils do not have to sit their assessment papers at Loretto unless they have applied for a Scholarship which has a practical element e.g. Art, Drama, Golf, Music or Sport.
When are entrance assessment sat in the Senior School?
Entrance assessments in the Senior School are at any time of the year.
Common Entrance Exams (Third Form Entry from prep schools)
Pupils taking Common Entrance exams are also required to take the Loretto Entrance assessment.
When will I get a decision about a place?
We would normally expect to have a decision within ten days to two weeks of the assessment, though it may be sooner. You would usually be telephoned in the first instance and this would then be followed up by letter. Overseas applicants may also receive communication by email.
What will happen after my child is offered a place?
Once you have received an offer of a place, 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 (UK pupils Junior School £300, Senior School £600 and Overseas Pupils £1000 from September 2008). This deposit will be refunded to you when your child leaves school. If you require more time to make a decision or to await a decision on a bursary, please contact the Admissions Department to discuss an alternative deadline.