Loreto Grammar School Review 2026: Excellence Rooted in 115 Years of Heritage

When the Sisters of Loreto opened these gates in 1909, they set in motion a tradition of educational excellence that continues to define Altrincham. Over a century later, Loreto Grammar School has become a beacon of academic achievement and Catholic values, educating approximately 1,050 girls across years 7 to 13. The school ranks in the top 3% of schools in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking: 130th nationally), with 54% of students achieving grades 9 to 8 and 77% securing grades 9 to 7. At A-level, the picture is equally impressive, with 88% of grades at A*, A or B, placing the school 142nd in England (FindMySchool data). Selective admission through the GL Assessment 11-plus entrance exam means the school attracts high-performing candidates from across the North West, often travelling significant distances. The blend of academic rigour, pastoral warmth and faith-centred values creates an environment where girls genuinely flourish.

The school occupies a purpose-built campus designed in the early 1970s to replace older premises, and it shows considered architectural thinking. The presence of the chapel, rededicated 25 years ago, anchors the Catholic identity visibly. Students move between lessons with quiet purposefulness; staff are accessible and genuinely invested in wellbeing. Parents consistently report being struck by student politeness and maturity. One parent told researchers that students here are "so polite" and thoughtful, often volunteering to step outside their comfort zone through activities like drama to build confidence.

Mrs Jane Beever has led the school since 2006, having joined Loreto as deputy head in 2002. She holds qualifications in French and Italian from Liverpool, with an MA from Leeds and teaching credentials from York. Her background in modern foreign languages, combined with leadership experience across state and church schools, has shaped a vision that honours tradition while embracing the future. Under her leadership, the school achieved Outstanding judgement across all inspected areas in the most recent Ofsted report, described as an "inspirational place" where pupils "flourish."

The school's values — Justice, Truth, Sincerity, Freedom, Joy, Excellence and Internationality — are lived rather than merely displayed. The Catholic ethos is genuine but inclusive; while faith is central, staff are not required to be Catholic, and students of all backgrounds are welcomed. The school belongs to a worldwide Loreto community of over 120 schools serving 70,000 students globally, with sister institutions in India, Australia, Spain and Germany. This international dimension is woven into student experience through exchange programmes, visiting speakers, and the Loreto connection itself, which traces back to Mary Ward, a visionary educator who challenged conventions in the 17th century.

GCSE Performance

Loreto's GCSE outcomes place it firmly among the highest-performing state schools in England. In the latest cohort, 77% of grades fell within the 9-7 band, compared to an England average of 54%. At the top tier (grades 9-8), 54% of entries achieved this standard. The Attainment 8 score of 76.3 indicates strong breadth and depth across the eight measured qualifications. Progress 8 measures how pupils advance from their starting points in primary school; a score of +1.07 suggests pupils make above-average progress once admission selectivity is accounted for.

The English Baccalaureate suite — comprising English, mathematics, sciences, languages and either history or geography — is studied by a very high proportion of pupils. This ensures a broad, well-rounded curriculum rather than narrow GCSE selection. Strong performance in language subjects reflects the school's emphasis on linguistic flexibility; pupils study three modern foreign languages at key stage 3.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form comprises approximately 266 students, many of whom progress internally from year 11. A-level results sustain the school's excellence. In the measured cohort, 88% of grades reached A*, A or B, well above the England average. Forty per cent of all grades were A or A*, demonstrating genuinely high attainment at the summit of the qualification range. The school offers 30 A-level subjects, including less common options such as Government and Politics, Psychology and Sociology, alongside traditional academic subjects. New entrants to sixth form include external applicants; the school accepts students who demonstrate capability in academic subjects, with realistic entry requirements communicated clearly during the admission process.

University destinations reflect this achievement. In the 2023-24 cohort, 79% of leavers progressed to university. Four students secured places at Cambridge, the elite institution (FindMySchool data). Beyond Oxbridge, students regularly progress to Russell Group universities and respected institutions including Durham, Bristol, Exeter and Edinburgh, with particular strength in competitive programmes such as medicine. This trajectory is made possible through sustained academic challenge and systematic university preparation woven into sixth form life.

Teachers at Loreto are subject specialists who combine technical expertise with genuine enthusiasm for their disciplines. Lessons are structured around clear learning intentions, with teachers making effective use of assessment strategies to identify and address misconceptions early. The Ofsted report noted that "teachers are subject specialists," and this is visible in how pupils engage with subjects ranging from Classical languages to contemporary options.

The curriculum is ambitious and carefully sequenced. Rather than teaching in isolation, leaders ensure that subject knowledge builds logically, with pupils understanding how new learning connects to prior understanding. For pupils with special educational needs, the school provides tailored support within mainstream lessons, alongside intervention where necessary. The design philosophy prioritises what pupils need to know at each stage, rooted in what research shows supports long-term retention and transfer.

Key stage 3 emphasises breadth. All pupils encounter three modern foreign languages, fostering confidence in linguistic learning before GCSE options. Separate sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) are taught, providing the rigorous foundation needed for later STEM study. Reading is actively promoted across the curriculum; pupils encounter a wide range of texts, fostering both critical engagement and pleasure in reading.

The school operates 8:45 am to 3:45 pm. This timing allows structured form tutor sessions at the start of each day, where pastoral care is embedded alongside academic focus. Sixth form students enjoy greater autonomy, with a bring-your-own-device policy for social and work spaces, reflecting their status as young adults preparing for independence.

The school places explicit priority on pupil wellbeing. Ofsted noted that "leaders have taken care to prioritise pupils' and students' mental and physical wellbeing," and this commitment is felt throughout the community. A trained school counsellor provides individual sessions for pupils navigating emotional challenges. Form tutors act as the key pastoral contact, allowing relationships to develop over time.

Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils manage their own conduct with maturity, attending to lessons and respecting the learning environment. Low-level disruption is rare. Mobile phones are not permitted for years 7-11, a policy that protects classroom focus and social interaction. Sixth formers follow a bring-your-own-device policy in social spaces only, reflecting a graduated approach to independence.

Safeguarding is handled with rigour. There is a "well-established culture of vigilance," with all staff trained to recognise concerns and respond swiftly. Leaders proactively engage external agencies when vulnerable pupils need support, ensuring that welfare concerns are addressed sensitively and thoroughly. Pupils learn age-appropriately about online safety, healthy relationships and consent.

The extracurricular programme is extensive, offering activities that complement academic study while developing leadership, creativity and resilience. The school's Ofsted inspection noted that pupils "benefit from a vast array of extra-curricular and enrichment activities," with staff designing offerings that "spark pupils' and students' interests." Teachers are encouraged to lead or support clubs; the result is genuine diversity rather than cosmetic variety.

Music, Drama & Performance

Music thrives at Loreto. The school supports instrumental and vocal tuition across brass, string and woodwind instruments. Group ensembles provide performance opportunities throughout the year, culminating in formal concerts. Drama is similarly valued, with acting and verse-and-prose classes available as extra-curricular options. The school mounts full productions annually, offering experience in stagecraft, ensemble work and the discipline of rehearsal. Public speaking is actively promoted; pupils develop confidence through structured coaching and participation in competitions.

Sports & Physical Activity

Loreto teams have won regional and national championships in hockey, netball and athletics. The school's sporting heritage is genuine; competition is supported, but participation is encouraged for all. The relatively compact campus has housed sporting life for decades, with facilities supporting inter-school fixtures and individual development. Netball in particular has a strong presence, reflecting the school's Cheshire roots where netball competition has long been central to girls' education.

STEM & Innovation

The school's specialist designation for mathematics and science is reflected in the curriculum structure and extracurricular opportunities. TeenTech Finals involvement has yielded success: one team won the best research category for their "SunstainaKettle" project, whilst another earned recognition for "DB Secure" in the under-16s big and bold ideas category. These competitions demand technical knowledge, creative problem-solving and presentation skills — exactly the capacities employers and universities seek. Computer science is offered at GCSE and A-level, with coding and robotics interests supported.

Leadership & Service

Sixth form leadership is genuinely empowering. Head Girl and Deputy Head Girls are elected by their peers and staff following a competitive application and interview process. Year 12 prefects are assigned to pastoral groups, offering mentoring and support. Many sixth formers receive training as peer mentors or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) mentors, formalising their supportive role.

Student-led social action is built into the ethos. The Chaplaincy Group, IMPACT Group and Loreto Amnesty Group have driven campaigns for Fairtrade status, human trafficking awareness and political prisoners' rights. The school magazine, Loreto Life, is planned and edited by year 12 volunteers, ensuring student voice is represented across 40 pages of journalism. Sixth formers can establish their own enterprise businesses, combining entrepreneurial learning with fundraising for good causes.

Other Named Clubs & Activities

The Environmental Group promotes sustainability initiatives across the school. The Philosophy Film Club engages pupils in ethical discussion through film. The French Spelling Bee develops linguistic confidence in a competitive but supportive context. The "Just Like Us" club fosters inclusive discussion. MedSoc, led by sixth formers, allows aspiring medics to network and learn about the profession. The Juggling Club provides creative, non-academic skill-building. Mathematics, languages and sciences all run super-curricular enrichment activities that extend beyond the formal curriculum.

This breadth matters. Parents and pupils report that Loreto offers genuine choice; no student is forced into a mould, yet opportunities abound for those who seek them. The range suggests a school confident in its academic core and generous with its resources.

Loreto's sixth form has earned a strong reputation for university progression. Of the 2023-24 cohort of 144 leavers, 79% progressed to university, 13% entered employment and 1% each pursued further education and apprenticeships. Within the university cohort, four students secured places at Cambridge. This is not insignificant: four places from a cohort of approximately 150 represents a success rate well above the national average.

The school's ranking in England for combined GCSE and A-level performance sits at 129th (FindMySchool composite metric), placing it in the top 3% of schools nationally. This consistency across both main qualifications demonstrates that the school's excellence is not concentrated in any single phase but maintained throughout secondary and sixth form education.

Students regularly secure places at universities renowned for research and teaching quality. The breadth of destinations reflects both pupil diversity of ambition and the school's impartial guidance about different pathways. Those pursuing medicine, sciences, engineering and humanities all progress to leading institutions.

Entry to year 7 is by selective entrance examination administered by GL Assessment, supplemented by a school-designed mathematics paper. The 11-plus tests English, verbal reasoning and mathematics, assessing reasoning and fluency rather than prior curriculum knowledge. Approximately 700 families apply annually for 150 places (a ratio of roughly 4.7 applications per place).

After the usual prioritisation of looked-after children and siblings, admission is determined by examination performance. The GL Assessment papers are designed to minimise coachability, though families inevitably seek preparation support. The school itself does not officially recommend tutoring but neither pretends that pupils arrive unprepared. Realistic expectations about entrance competitiveness are communicated clearly in admissions guidance.

Once in the school, progression to sixth form is not automatic. Girls must meet realistic A-level entry criteria in their chosen subjects, typically requiring GCSE grades 6 or above in related disciplines. External applications to sixth form are welcomed, with clear communication about expected attainment.

The school day runs from 8:45 am to 3:45 pm. There is no wraparound care (breakfast or after-school clubs) advertised on the school website; families should contact the school directly if they require information about extended care options.

Public transport access is good. Altrincham Interchange, approximately 0.4 miles east of the school, serves the Manchester Metrolink (tram line) and Northern Trains (conventional rail), making it accessible from across Greater Manchester and beyond. Local bus routes also serve the school. Walking and cycling are viable for families within a two-mile radius.

The school website (www.loretogrammar.co.uk) provides comprehensive information about admissions, curriculum, sixth form, safeguarding and term dates. School office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Thursday and until 4:00 pm Friday.

Entrance competitiveness: With nearly five applications for every place, admission is genuinely selective. Even pupils who pass the entrance examination are not guaranteed a place; only the highest scorers will be offered places. Families must approach the process realistically and consider alternative options should Loreto not materialise.

Selective intake and peer group: All pupils have demonstrated high ability at 11-plus. This creates an intellectually capable cohort, which is a strength educationally but means the school does not experience the full range of ability levels found in non-selective schools. Girls who struggled at primary despite underlying capability may find the adjustment challenging.

Faith dimension: The school is genuinely Catholic in ethos. Daily prayer is expected, and religious study is embedded in the curriculum through the "Aletheia" programme in sixth form. Families uncomfortable with explicit religious teaching should consider alternatives.

Single-sex education: As an all-girls school, Loreto does not provide mixed-gender education. Some families prefer this; others believe co-education better prepares pupils for adult life. The choice is personal, and both models have merit.

Loreto Grammar School delivers what selective academic education can be at its best: rigorous intellectual challenge combined with genuine pastoral care and broad personal development. Results place it in the top tier of state schools nationally. The Catholic identity is authentic, the staff are dedicated, and pupils emerge as confident, articulate young women ready for university and beyond.

The school suits families seeking a selective, faith-centred education with strong academic foundations, excellent pastoral support, and genuine breadth of opportunity beyond the classroom. It is best suited to girls ready for the intellectual demands of selective entry and families comfortable with the Catholic ethos. It is most accessible to those living within reasonable travel distance of Altrincham.

The main barrier to entry is the competitive examination; achieving a place requires strong preparation and realistic self-assessment. Once in, the educational experience is exceptional.