Scotland’s oldest boarding school with its own golf academy, which has claimed 14 national titles, and status as a SAT center in central Scotland.
About the School
Founded in 1827, Loretto School welcomes around 450 boys and girls aged 3 to 18 as both day pupils and boarders across its secure 85-acre campus in picturesque East Lothian. The location offers easy access to Edinburgh and its international airport, just 10 kilometers away. Historic buildings share the grounds with contemporary facilities that include a theatre, music school, indoor and outdoor Golf Academy centers, an astroturf pitch, 12 tennis courts, and extensive playing fields.
Loretto School Achievements
The school’s 2025 A-Level results reached 98%, while GCSE grades significantly exceeded national averages. Almost all graduates—99%—secure places at their chosen UK and international universities, including prestigious US programs, supported by specialized career and higher education consultants. Beyond academics, the golf academy has proven equally distinguished, winning 14 national titles since 2002. In 2023, the Old Lorettonian Golfing Society became only the second team in history to claim the prestigious Halford Hewitt Cup three consecutive times.
Other achievements:
- Status as the only registered SAT center in central Scotland
- Professional theatre equipment with annual musicals
- Startup Sprint program with pitches before expert juries
- LAMDA qualifications in drama and ABRSM in music
- Combined Cadet Force expeditions to Norway
Learning
The educational journey begins with pre-school (ages 3-5) following Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, then progresses through junior classes (5-12) with an expanded foundation program. Senior pupils choose from 18 GCSE subjects, while sixth formers access 24 A-Level disciplines plus BTEC options. Entrepreneurial thinking develops through the three-day Startup Sprint, where students create business concepts under mentor guidance before pitching to expert judges. The SAT center status facilitates American university applications alongside traditional British pathways.
Educational stages:
- Pre-School (3-5 years) — Scottish Curriculum for Excellence
- Junior School (5-12 years) — expanded foundation program
- Senior School — 18 GCSE subjects
- Sixth Form — 24 A-Level disciplines and BTEC
Extracurricular Life
Over 80 activities span sports, arts, and adventure pursuits. Boys compete in rugby, hockey, and cricket, while girls focus on hockey, lacrosse, and tennis—though golf draws both, with professional PGA coaching available. Creative offerings range from orchestra and bagpipes through drama with LAMDA qualifications to dance styles from ballet to hip-hop and visual arts. Adventure begins early with Forest School in junior years, gradually expanding toward expeditions and sailing as students mature.
Additional opportunities:
- Combined Cadet Force with naval and army sections
- Outdoor Discovery Award with navigation and climbing
- Badminton, basketball, football, swimming, athletics
- ABRSM music exam preparation
- Annual musicals in professionally equipped theatre
Boarding
As Scotland’s oldest boarding school, Loretto offers flexible residential options from Year 7 onward: full boarding (seven days), weekly (five nights), flex (any three nights per week), or day attendance, with occasional overnight stays available when needed. Five boarding houses operate under experienced houseparents who cultivate a family atmosphere where staff know each child personally. International students benefit from ESL programs and intensive small-group IELTS preparation, helping them master English more quickly.
