“Our History, Your Future.” That’s the motto that greets you as we approach Loreto College. Loreto College stands as a Roman Catholic sixth form college. It is located in Hulme, Manchester. Its story began in 1851. The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary founded the college. Mary Ward, a 16th-century nun, founded the Institute. Her educational philosophy guides Loreto College.
The Loreto Sisters arrived in Hulme on October 3, 1851. They came from the Loreto Convent in Dublin, Ireland. Canon Toole, Rector of St Wilfred’s, requested their help. Many Irish people had emigrated to Manchester after the famine. They needed educational facilities for their children. The Loreto Sisters provided much-needed education. This was almost 20 years before compulsory schools were established in England.
In 1853, the Loreto Sisters moved into the Loreto Convent in Hulme. They faced initial challenges. At one point, they nearly sold their furniture to clear debts. But with help, they overcame the crisis. The Loreto Convent became the foundation for Loreto’s educational structure in England.
Loreto quickly developed. The sisters worked in six primary schools. They also established a High Grade School. New buildings reflected the history of the Loreto order. A center for pupil teachers was established in 1899. This started a long tradition of working with new teachers.
In 1921, the school became a Direct Grant Girls Secondary School. In 1944, it became a Direct Grant Girls Grammar School. This continued until 1977. That year, a major reorganization of Catholic education occurred in Manchester. Loreto became a co-educational sixth form college. It continued to serve the needs of the Manchester area.
The original buildings aged over time. From 2002 to 2014, the college campus was redeveloped. Four new buildings were constructed. The historic Grade II listed Chapel was preserved. Today, Loreto College has modern facilities.
Loreto College is known for its academic excellence. It has been rated as “Outstanding in every respect” by Ofsted. Loreto has achieved the AoC Beacon Schools Award. The college has been placed in the top 1% of colleges nationally. It also boasts the highest A-Level results of any college in Manchester.
The college is located near the boundary with Trafford and the Church of St Mary, Hulme. It is accessed via Princess Road, the A5103.
Loreto College prioritizes certain applicants. Pupils from Roman Catholic partnership schools are guaranteed a place. Approximately 52% of students are Roman Catholic. However, the college is open to all faiths. All students share the values of Excellence, Freedom, Internationality, Justice, Sincerity, Truth, and Joy.
Many notable people are associated with Loreto College. Alumni include actors Chris Bisson and John Bradley-West. Footballers Michael Johnson and Micah Richards also attended Loreto. Comedian Jason Manford is also an alumnus. Pete Postlethwaite, former Head of Drama, taught at Loreto.
As you stand here, consider the legacy of Loreto College. From its humble beginnings to its modern campus, Loreto has remained committed to its values. It prepares students to be responsible citizens. It helps students to make a better world.