The Mission of Loreto Preparatory School is to pursue the principles of the Gospel in the tradition of the Catholic Faith and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary "forming well educated men and women who are alive to the needs of the world, with the knowledge that gives them power to act". (IBVM Constitutions)

Within a loving, disciplined atmosphere and in partnership with parents, the school encourages all children to work hard to reach their full potential by developing their special aptitudes and skills.

Her teaching was based firmly in the Gospel values and she upheld the principles of Truth, Justice, Sincerity, Freedom and Joy, which we recognise in our Mission Statement.

Loreto is close to the centre of the market town of Altrincham in Cheshire, ten miles from the city of Manchester.

The school is easily reached by road or by the efficient Metrolink service which connects with British Rail.

It is in easy access of the main motorways and Manchester Airport.

For a detailed map and driving directions to the school click here.

Loreto Prep was founded in Altrincham in 1909 but moved into a modern purpose-built school in 1971. The school stands in pleasant grounds which provide a natural resource for environmental studies.

There is a well-equipped gymnasium which also serves as an assembly hall and dining room. It is fitted with excellent stage lighting for school productions. We have a separate music room.

Both the Infant and Junior departments have well stocked central libraries. The junior library has been computerised and children learn how to make best use of libraries.

There are computers in each infant class and a computer suite in our junior department, which includes an interactive whiteboard.

Priority is given to children who are baptised in the Roman Catholic Faith. Children of other Christian denominations are then considered and, in special circumstances, children of other faiths may be admitted.

Entrance to the Infant department is by interview and to the Junior department by interview and assessment.

In September 2002 we introduced an Early Years class for children of three and four years of age. They may attend part-time in the mornings or full-time over a choice of days, and they have brought their unique charm and view of the world to our school.

Our dedicated teachers are all fully qualified and regularly attend further training to develop specialist skills. They are supported by experienced classroom assistants.

Physical Education and Music are taught by specialist teachers. Support teachers work alongside the class teachers in Mathematics and English working in small groups or individually. In our junior department Maths is taught in groups of approximately fifteen.

If the school is concerned that a child has a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, we are able to seek the professional services of an educational psychologist whose advice is then used in school.

Support is also given to extend the able and gifted children.

Academic excellence is highly valued. As an independent school we are able to develop our curriculum in the best interests of our children. We regularly review our teaching and methods in the light of guidelines and directions from the government.

Our teaching schemes have been carefully chosen and we liaise closely with the principle publishers of educational materials to ensure that our resources meet the requirements of a modern curriculum.

We formally assess the children twice each year. This information allows us to monitor progress and give support where necessary. The results of these tests are reported to parents.

Religious Education and moral training are central to our teaching which is based on the principles of the Gospel. Liturgical celebration, both Eucharistic and non-Eucharistic, is at the heart of life at the heart of life at Loreto Prep School. Assemblies, too, are an important feature of school life.

There is a well-established Sacramental Programme in the school, enabling parents and teachers to work together to prepare children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

All children are required to follow the Religious Education Programme and appreciation, respect and tolerance of other faiths is encouraged.

We offer a wide range of opportunities from classroom activities to instrumental tuition, offered in recorder, guitar, piano and a variety of orchestral instruments, provided by a team of experienced staff.

Our musicians encourage and support each other. At times, impromptu groups, rehearsing new material can be heard on a daily basis in almost every corner of the school. Our children find music making an enjoyable and rewarding experience which is reflected in their enthusiasm and commitment.

All children leave us with an ability to perform at some level on a musical instrument; most with certificates of merit awarded internally. Others achieve success in Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Examinations held annually at the school.

Education of the whole person must include physical development alongside development in other curriculum areas.

In Loreto Prep there is a well-developed programme of sports and physical education which, in addition to promoting a healthy life-style, enables our pupils to accept success and failure graciously and to co-operate with others using their best qualities to contribute to the greater good of the whole group.

In addition to class lessons in gymnastics and games skills there is a wide range of extra-curricular activities including netball, rounders, cross-country, athletics and swimming. Pupils compete in local and national sporting events, achieving excellent results.

We are developing and modernising our Information & Communications Technology. We have an interactive whiteboard which is used in our computer suite to teach computer skills. We use broadband technology and all junior children are taught to use the internet safely.

They are also taught to touchtype using a programme designed for children - although adults find it fun to join in too.

The girls are learning to use a range of digital technology such as digital cameras.