Loretto School is Scotland's oldest boarding school, founded in 1827, set on an 85-acre campus near Edinburgh. It is a co-educational independent school offering education from pre-school through to the Sixth Form. The school has a Golf Academy with Club, Development, and Performance squads, and offers an entrepreneurship programme alongside its main curriculum. Performing arts, adventure and leadership programmes, and outdoor learning are integral to school life. Bursaries and scholarships are available, and international pupils are welcomed and supported. The Lorettonian Society connects former pupils through an active alumni network.
Location
Loretto School is in Musselburgh, East Lothian, just six miles east of Edinburgh city centre. The 85-acre campus is in a leafy setting with easy access to Edinburgh, its airport, and rail connections to the rest of the UK.
Stages
The school covers Pre-School, Junior School, Senior School, and Sixth Form, providing an all-through education from age 3 to 18.
Type
Loretto is an independent co-educational boarding and day school. It is Scotland's oldest boarding school. Both day and boarding places are available.
Country affiliation
Founded in 1827, Loretto is deeply rooted in Scottish educational tradition. It is Scotland's oldest boarding school.
Boarding Arrangements
Full boarding is available across the Senior School and Sixth Form. The school also provides wraparound care for Junior School pupils. Boarding houses are at the heart of the school community.
House System
The school has a boarding house system that provides pastoral care and a sense of community for all boarders.
Governance and Ownership
Loretto School is an independent school with its own board of governors. It operates school partnerships with other institutions.
Fee details are available from the school on request. Bursaries and scholarships are offered to help families with the cost of education.
Curriculum
Loretto offers a broad curriculum from Pre-School through Sixth Form. The school includes specialised programmes such as the Golf Academy (with Club, Development, and Performance squads) and an entrepreneurship programme. The school is also a SAT Test Centre.
Higher Education Progression
The Life After Loretto programme prepares students for higher education and beyond. Former pupils go on to a range of universities and careers.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Dedicated wellbeing programmes run across all sections of the school, from Junior through to Sixth Form. The boarding house system provides pastoral support.
Admissions
1. Attend an open event or arrange a visit to the 85-acre campus. 2. Request a prospectus or make an enquiry through the admissions team. 3. The school welcomes international pupils with specific support programmes. 4. Complete the formal admissions process including any assessments required. 5. Bursaries and scholarships are available.
Scholarships
Bursaries and scholarships are available for families. These help make education at Loretto accessible. Specific details are available from the admissions team.
