Sixth Form
Preparing For Exceptional Lives
At Loretto Sixth Form, our aim is to help pupils gain their best academic grades and prepare them for life after school. For most, this will be university – in the UK or abroad – and for some it will be graduate apprenticeships, gap years or straight into the world of work.
By knowing pupils individually, we are in the best position to help them discover pathways that will enable them to thrive. There are common qualities that all pupils develop: the determination and discipline to aim high, leadership skills, kindness, and courtesy.
To achieve these aims, Loretto has a specialist team of Sixth Form Tutors and a Head of Sixth Form. Their role is to know and nurture our Sixth Formers and to work with them to identify what they want to do after leaving Loretto. A vibrant atmosphere is created in our dedicated Sixth Form Centre, with different spaces to study and socialise. At Loretto, everyone works together to ensure pupils make the most of their final school years.
Achieving High Academic Standards
In Sixth Form, our pupils study for A-Levels and BTEC qualifications. 99% go on to a destination of their choice, including places at universities including Oxford, Exeter, Glasgow, St Andrews, Newcastle and Durham.
Each year, several pupils choose to attend universities in other countries, including in the U.S.A. Loretto is ideally placed to support them, as the only registered SAT Test Centre in central Scotland.
We offer a variety of subjects to suit a broad spectrum of interests and prepare pupils for careers in law, finance, medicine, environmental sciences, the arts, and more. Lorettonians usually study three subjects, and can also undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), highly valued by universities.
We also offer a vibrant academic Enrichment programme designed to reinforce understanding and encourage creative thinking. It features a blend of events, from debating to engineering projects, as well as academic societies that pupils can join depending on their interests.
Nurturing Talents
Beyond Academic subjects, Sixth Formers are given plenty of opportunity to develop their artistic and sporting talents as well as their sense of adventure, with Loretto offering comprehensive programmes in these fields.
A Rich Social and Cultural Life
Loretto Sixth Form is a close-knit community of around 150 girls and boys, a welcoming group where pupils forge life-long friendships. The pupil-driven Sixth Form Committee organises many social events, which complement the School’s extensive programme of extra-curricular activities.
More than three quarters of our Sixth Formers choose to board. They benefit from single or double study bedrooms, and plenty of social space.
Our Sixth Form is a rich cultural mix. About a third of pupils come from overseas countries – Europe, Asia, America and Africa. Non-native English speakers can study for the International English Language Testing System (IELT) Certificate. Studied intensively in small classes, it enables pupils to become swiftly fluent in English.
Ready To Step Up
Our dedicated team of university and careers advisors offer Loretto Sixth Formers expert guidance on choosing and securing future pathways throughout their studies. External speakers are also invited to provide further advice on university choices, as well as gap years.
Work experience is increasingly important to university and job applications, and Lorettonians are expected to complete one or two placements before leaving School. Loretto’s wider community of parents and Old Lorettonians offer incredible support to our Sixth Formers, by providing work experience or advice on career paths.
