Starting at Loreto
When is enrolment at Loreto for 2024-2025?
On GCSE results day (22nd August) you can complete the online enrolment stage. You will then attend a course advice enrolment appointment in the week commencing 27th August 2024. You do not need to contact us on results day, any information can be shared with us at your appointment.
You will receive a letter this summer with your enrolment date. If you are unable to attend on this date, do not worry, you still have your place. Just let us know and we can arrange an alternative date to complete your enrolment
If I don’t get the grades I need for the subjects I want to study, will I lose my place at Loreto?
No, you still have your place at Loreto College. If your results aren’t quite what you hoped for, you can discuss your course options with our team of course advisors during enrolment.
Do I have to come into college to enrol or can I do it online?
Although you can do some of the enrolment process online, you will still have to complete the process in person. You will receive a letter which outlines when you should come in and what time. You’ll also get to meet your Head of Hall and a course advisor.
Can I do a BTEC or vocational course with A Levels?
Yes. You may choose to study A Levels, Ful time BTEC courses, or a mixture of Al evels and vocational course, It all depends on what qualifications you require from your intended career path.
Can I change what courses I want to study during enrolment?
Yes, you can discuss this with your course advisor.
Apart from my GCSE results, do I have to bring anything else with me when I enrol?
Please make sure you bring your enrolment letter and a pen with you. If you are enrolling on to any of the art courses, don’t forget to bring some of your work with you.
Can we do AS Levels at Loreto?
We do not offer AS levels at Loreto. We do offer the EPQ which is equivalent to an AS level and can be studied alongside 3 A Levels.
Can I study 4 A Levels?
Yes. You can discuss this at enrolment, but most students pick 3 A Levels and some also complete an EPQ.
When can I apply for the EPQ course?
There is plenty of time to apply. The EPQ course starts towards the end of your Lower Sixth year and is completed in Upper Sixth. As this is an additional qualification requiring significant commitment, EPQs are recommended to students who, in agreement with their subject teachers and Head of Hall, have achieved strong academic success during their first year of study.
When do I get my timetable?
You’ll be given your timetable after enrolment, before classes begin in September.
Can I re-sit my GCSEs at Loreto?
We only offer GCSE re-sits in English Language and Maths to students who have not achieved a Grade 4 or higher. This is a Government requirement. In this exceptional year, there will be an opportunity to resit GCSE exams in November, but that is something you will need to discuss with your school.
I’ve been offered a place at more than one college, what should I do?
The decision is entirely yours to make. Take your time to make up your mind; discuss it with family, trusted friends and college staff. You have to make the right decision for yourself and no one is in a better position to do that than you.
Life at College
What is the structure of the college timetable?
The College day is 9am to 4pm. Most students will have two double lessons per academic subject per week, in addition to two sessions of Tutorial and one lesson per week of Core RE. You can also choose from a wide range of enrichment activities, which are a fantastic way to develop skills and meet new friends. Attendance to all timetabled lessons is compulsory. All students also have study periods on their timetable to use for homework, revision or research; you can choose to study at home or make use of our fantastic study facilities in College.
Does Loreto College offer remote learning?
No, we do not offer remote or offsite learning. All Loreto students are expected to attend all lessons on site.
Is there a dress code at Loreto?
The College welcomes the variety of appearance brought by individual styles and choices. The wearing of items arising from particular cultural/religious norms (including, for example, saris, turbans, skullcaps, hijabs and kippahs) is seen as part of this welcome diversity. Loreto College is a place of work for students. We do not insist on any particular dress for employees or students, except where there are health and safety or security concerns, or where a job or placement requires a uniform or protective clothing to be worn.
Should I have done some studying during the summer holidays in preparation for my A Level course?
No, but any work you have done will only be to your benefit. If you are looking to do some prep work, all course pages specify the exam board specification they follow.
Are Halls the same as forms or tutor groups?
The tutor groups are very similar to forms in high school. Here the tutor groups sit within one of 14 halls.
What support is available to me at Loreto?
As well as brilliant support from your subject teachers, all students have a Tutor who they see twice a week and a Head of Hall who they can go to for an advice or support. Students can also access support from our College Counsellors, Safeguarding and Wellbeing teams, Chaplaincy Team and the Additional Learning Support department.
How often do you have Parents’ Evenings?
We hold them twice a year. The are remote meetings with all your teachers.
Can we buy our lunch at College or do we have to bring our own?
There are food outlets on campus where you can buy your lunch or you can bring your own. We also have exleent local food vendors in the local community too.
Are textbooks provided or do we have to buy our own?
College will provide you with textbooks.
Do I need to bring my own stationery (paper, pens etc.)?
Yes, although we will provide you with an A4 lever arch file for each of your subjects or notebook. Students should provide their own pens and other equipment.
Can I be given extra time in exams?
If you require any exam access arrangements, you will need to book an appointment with our Additional Learning Support Team first.
How many students are there in a class?
22 students is the average class size
Do you help students apply to university?
Yes, we do. At Loreto we support all our students whatever they decide to do next: go to university, apply for an apprenticeship or get a full time job. We will help you to write your personal statements and fill in application forms. We have a fantastic careers team who provide one-to-one support, arrange
opportunities for you to meet with HE providers and potential employers.
Will you help me get into Oxford or Cambridge and/or a place on a Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary Science degree course?
We have a dedicated team of staff who are highly experienced in supporting students through the rigorous application process required to secure a place on these extremely competitive courses and at selective institutions. We are very proud of our high success rate. You can discuss this in more depth at enrolment. You’ll also find more info on our website.
I’m thinking of getting a part time job while I’m at College. Is this a good idea?
Although having a part time job is a good way of gaining excellent skills, you have to remember that you are now be a full-time student and you’ll be very busy with your studies, which should really take priority. Research shows that working part-time for more than 8 hours a week can result in lower grades. It’s all about balance.
Does Loreto College have a place where I can pray?
Yes, we do have dedicated spaces for prayer across the campus.
Will I be able to have access to lessons and worksheets online?
Yes. Loreto uses myLoreto, a specially designed system where you can access all departmental resources as well as upload your work directly to the mark book.
I get anxious and stressed at times, is there anyone at college who I can talk to about it?
Yes, we have Mental Health First Aid trained staff and counsellors available to offer support. Loreto College is also affiliated to a number of external agencies who can offer help and advice too.
Can I get any help with the cost of attending college?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for the 16 – 19 Bursary and/or Free College Meals. Should your family’s circumstances change, students can apply for the bursary or free college meals at any point throughout the academic year.
Public Transport to and from College
Are there any College buses?
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) run the following buses to Loreto College:
Service 742: Burnage - Heaton Chapel - Levenshulme - Longsight - Loreto College
Service 743: Heald Green - Gatley - Northenden - Didsbury - Withington - Loreto College
Service 744: Eccles - Monton Green - Patricroft - Stretford - Loreto College
Service 745: Walkden - Swinton - Pendlebury - Irlams o' th' Height - Pendleton - Loreto College
A link to timetables for the listed college bus services can be found below.
Where do I apply for my bus pass? Is OurPass still available? What about college buses?
For all up to date information about buses, tickets and passes, visit Transport for Greater Manchester, there's a link below alongside other links to useful travel information.
What other buses services can I use to travel to College?
There are a number of bus services that operate close to the College. Click on the Transport for Greater Manchester link below and open the Commercial bus services to see the list of buses.
Are there any travel passes available?
Our Pass - free bus travel for 16-18 year olds who live in Greater Manchester. You will need to apply online and there is a one-off £10 fee to pay. The pass also allows you to get half-price off peak 1 day and weekend travelcards on Metrolink.
Scholar's Permit - child fares for 16-19 year olds travelling to and from college. If you apply for this pass you will need your passport sized colour photo of yourself to have the Loreto College stamp on the back. Just bring the photo to College reception and we can do that for you.
Links to Our Pass and Scholar's Permit can be found below.