“Students benefit from an inclusive learning environment that celebrates their individual contributions to the college.” Ofsted 2022
At Loreto, everyone is welcome.
Our community is built on the Mary Ward values of justice, truth, freedom, excellence, sincerity, joy, and internationality, and these values shape how we treat one another every day.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) isn’t something extra we “add on.” It’s part of who we are.
We pride ourselves on teaching the person first, and the subject second. This means every student is valued, every story matters, and every young person deserves the chance to thrive.
As one student put it:
“[Loreto does] everything to be inclusive and positively represent everyone.”
Who We Are
Loreto is known for being a welcoming, friendly and diverse place to study. Students join us from many different backgrounds, faiths, cultures and communities, and that variety is one of our biggest strengths.
Students often tell us that the moment they arrive, they can feel the sense of community here:
“Walking around campus, it feels diverse – it’s good!”
“[Loreto has] a diverse community and supportive staff.”
Our aim is simple: to make sure every student feels they belong here, can be themselves and can succeed without barriers.
Below is how we support inclusion every day.
In the Classroom
We work hard to ensure lessons, resources, and examples reflect the world our students live in. Teachers are supported to use inclusive materials and diverse voices across every subject.
Tutorial and Personal Development
Your tutorial programme covers the topics that matter most to young people today, including identity, mental health, healthy relationships, safety, respect, equality, online behaviour and more.
These sessions give you space to think, reflect, challenge stereotypes and understand your own role in creating
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral system is built around the idea that no student should be left behind.
Heads of Hall, the safeguarding team and the Additional Learning Support (ALS) team work together to:
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- remove barriers
- offer early support
- support vulnerable students
- make sure every young person has the best chance to thrive
Additional Learning Support (ALS)
ALS provides personalised support for students with learning needs, disabilities or health conditions. This includes assistive technology, exam arrangements, mentoring and specialist interventions.
SEND students at Loreto do incredibly well – many progress to high‑tariff universities – and, just as importantly, are fully involved in enrichment, student leadership and wider college life.
Ofsted (2022) highlighted this strength:
“Staff provide exceptional support for students with SEND and high needs.”
Celebrating Our Loreto Community
Celebration is a big part of life at Loreto. Throughout the year we run events that highlight identity, culture, history and community spirit.
Black History Month
With assemblies, guest speakers, digital displays, themed catering, creative competitions and curriculum links, BHM is one of the many vibrant celebrations each year.
LGBTQ+ History Month
We celebrate LGBTQ+ stories, history and achievements with displays, reading lists, lunchtime activities and opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ contributors across subjects.
Respect Week
Each year focuses on a different theme linked to justice and dignity. Recent themes include Interfaith Dialogue and Women’s Rights – both grounded in the Mary Ward tradition of standing with others.
Cultural Appreciation Week
A highlight of the calendar. Students and staff wear cultural dress, share food, music and traditions, an amazing fashion and culture showcase.
A student summed it up perfectly:
“Cultural Week is amazing for welcoming people from all cultures — an amazing day.”
CommuniTuesdays
CommuniTuesday is a programme of Weekly chaplaincy‑led activities that help students connect, relax and celebrate their identities in a friendly, informal space.
Student Voice
Students shape our EDI work.
Our EDI Committee includes staff and students working together on events, curriculum, wellbeing, representation and college culture.
In the most recent survey, 97% of students agreed that “Loreto is committed to being a diverse and inclusive community.” That says everything.
Our Priorities
At Loreto, we are always looking for ways to grow and develop. Right now, our four priorities are:
- Inclusive Curriculum
Making sure every subject reflects a range of voices, stories and identities. - Equity of Outcomes
Tracking progress so all groups achieve well and no gaps go unnoticed. - Belonging and Student Voice
Creating more student ambassador roles and listening more deeply to student experience. - Removing Barriers
Strengthening support for all groups so everyone has full access to college life.
Inclusion at Loreto
Loreto is a place where dignity, kindness and justice shape everyday life.
A place where differences are celebrated.
A place where you can grow into who you are meant to be.
As Ofsted (2022) put it:
“Leaders implement a zero‑tolerance approach to all forms of bullying and harassment.”
And as our students put it:
“The college strives to create a very diverse and good experience for everyone and makes sure everyone is included.”
At Loreto, inclusion isn’t an event or a slogan.
It’s how we live.
It’s who we are.