Sixth Form (16-18 years)

Gearing up for bright futures

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 work.

By knowing pupils individually, we can effectively guide them along the pathway that best suits them. There are common qualities that all pupils develop: the determination and discipline to work consistently hard; the opportunities to build their Curricula Vitae
to catch the eye of Admissions Tutors and future employers; the chance to lead and become role models for younger pupils.

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 Sixth Formers, and to work with them to identify what they want to do after Loretto. A vibrant atmosphere is created in our
dedicated Sixth Form Centre, with different spaces to study and socialise. All work together, at Loretto, to ensure pupils make the most of their final school years.

Achieving high academic standards

In Sixth Form, our pupils study for A-levels, the British 'gold standard' of school leaving qualifications, required for university entrance. About three quarters of our Sixth Formers achieve top grades (A*-C) and more than nine out of 10 secure places at their chosen university, including Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, Newcastle and Durham.

Each year, several pupils choose to attend universities in other countries, including in the U.S.A. – Loretto being a SAT Test Centre.
We offer a variety of subjects at A-level to suit a broad spectrum of interests and prepare pupils for a wide range of careers in Law, Finance, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Fashion, and more. Lorettonians usually choose three subjects to study, and pupils are encouraged to 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 lectures to research projects, as well as Academic Societies that pupils can join depending on their interests. Current Societies include science, humanities, mathematics and engineering.

Nurturing talents

Beyond Academic subjects, Sixth Formers are given plenty of opportunities to develop their artistic and sporting talents as well as their sense of adventure. Loretto offers comprehensive programmes in these fields. To find out more, read our Arts, Golf, Sport and Adventure leaflets (below), or ask our Admissions Team.

A rich social and cultural life

Loretto is a close-knit community where pupils forge friendships for life. Comprising around 150 girls and boys, our Sixth Form is a welcoming group, and their pupil-driven 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, and make one of dedicated Sixth Form Houses their home – Balcarres for girls, Hope and Pinkie for boys. They benefit from single or double study bedrooms, and plenty of social space.
Our Sixth Form group is a rich cultural mix. About a third of pupils come from overseas countries – European, Asian, American, and African. 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

A dedicated team of university and careers Advisors offer Sixth Formers expert guidance in 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 former pupils make a real difference by providing work experience or advice on career paths.