Loreto is a sixth form college which exists primarily to cater for the needs of young Catholics in the 16-18 age range, but which also caters for young people of different faiths whose beliefs are consonant with our key values of Freedom, Justice, Sincerity, Truth and Joy. The key values derive from the educational philosophy of Mary Ward, a sixteenth century Englishwoman, who founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the order of nuns who started the college in 1851. The key values remain at the core of Loreto College, Manchester and all the many Loreto Schools and Colleges throughout the world.

Click here to visit some other Loreto sites elsewhere in the world

Loreto College Term Dates

The Local Authority set and publish school term and holiday dates for the forthcoming academic year. Following the dates below. To see the whole college year please click here to read more.

Celebratory Mass for Venerable Mary Ward

When Yorkshire woman Mary Ward first heard the words 'Glory, Glory, Glory' in 1609 little did she realise that this glory would spread throughout the world and on all continents. Nor could she have possibly understood the extent of her prophetic words, 'Women in time to come will do much'.

The Jubilee celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of Mary Ward's Institute, have been taking place in many and various ways around the world in communities, parishes, retreat houses, families, schools, colleges and wherever the Mary Ward Sisters (Loreto and Congregation of Jesus) have lived and worked.
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BREEAM - Loreto goes green!

Loreto College are undertaking phase 4 of our estate renewal within the college campus on a restricted brown field site at the southern end of the college and directly opposite the Grade II listed Chapel and Arts centre. Read more

The Loreto Chapel

Preparations for the building of this chapel began in May 1874. It was officially opened by Bishop Vaughan on 21 June 1875.

It is Gothic in style and is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Loreto and Blessed Michael the Archangel.

The beautiful mosaic which now hangs above the entrance is that of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque.

The altar, which is solid oak, came from Germany and was a gift from the aunt of a member of the community. The marble slab on top of the altar was given to the community by Canon O'Toole. In accordance with tradition the altar is a sacred place and contains relics of a saint or saints. This altar contains relics of Saint Urban and Saint Vincent.

Beneath the Chapel was the dining room for the community. This has now become part of the new art block.

Governance - Availability of access

In accordance with the College's access to information policy the minutes of the college's Governing Body and Committees are availble in the College Library (or from the Clerk to the Governors) during normal office hours and during term time. Minutes and schedules are also available online. Read more