LORETO SECONDARY SCHOOL Letterkenny
Loreto Secondary School - Letterkenny
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME A very warm welcome to Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny. As you explore our prospectus, I hope you gain a sense of the warmth, energy and spirit that make our school such a special place to learn, grow and flourish. Founded in 1854, Loreto Secondary School has a rich heritage and a proud tradition of excellence in education. While we cherish our history and the values upon which our school was founded, we are also a vibrant, forward-thinking community, committed to providing an inspiring and enriching educational experience for every student. We encourage our students to strive for academic excellence, discover their individual talents and pursue their interests and passions with confidence and enthusiasm. We believe that education is about much more than academic achievement. Rooted in our Loreto ethos, we are committed to nurturing the whole person, supporting each student to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Our dedicated and caring staff work tirelessly to create an environment where every student feels valued, supported and encouraged to become the very best version of herself. At the heart of Loreto is a strong sense of community and belonging. We are proud to be an inclusive and welcoming school, embracing students of all abilities, faiths, nationalities and backgrounds. Our school community is enriched by a wonderful diversity of cultures, experiences and perspectives. Life at Loreto is full of opportunity. Alongside a broad academic curriculum, our students enjoy an exciting range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Whether discovering a passion for sport, music, drama or debating, embracing leadership opportunities or contributing to school and community initiatives, our students are encouraged to explore new experiences, challenge themselves and develop the confidence to pursue their dreams. Above all, we want every student who walks through our doors to feel happy, confident, supported and inspired. We want her to know that she belongs, that her voice matters and that her possibilities are limitless.
Choosing a secondary school is an important and exciting milestone for both students and their families. We understand the significance of this decision and warmly invite you to experience Loreto for yourself. Our Open Evening offers a wonderful opportunity to meet our students and staff, explore our facilities and discover the vibrant school community of which we are so proud. Thank you for considering Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny, for the next chapter of your daughter’s educational journey. We look forward to working in partnership with you, celebrating her achievements, nurturing her ambitions and supporting her as she grows into a confident, compassionate and capable young woman, ready to make her own unique contribution to the world. We look forward to welcoming you to the Loreto family.
Caroline Mc Hugh Principal
PROSPECTUS - 2027/2028
LORETO SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT Loreto Letterlenny is a Catholic school committed to the development of the whole person. The school endeavours to develop student responsibility for learning in a safe, caring and spiritual environment, where each individual experiences personal success and fulfilment. The Loreto Order was founded in England in 1609 by Mary Ward. Mary Ward believed that “Women in Time to Come Will Do Much.” She envisioned a transformative education for young women that would empower them as “seekers of truth and doers of justice.” Guided by core values of Freedom, Truth, Justice, Sincerity, and Joy, these foundational principles continue to guide Loreto education today.
OUR SCHOOL HISTORY
OUR SCHOOL TODAY
Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny is a vibrant educational institution with a long tradition of excellence, forming part of a network of eighteen Loreto schools across Ireland. First opened in September 1854 at the request of the local bishop, the school initially began in his own residence with a small group of fewer than ten students. To accommodate a growing student body and enhance learning facilities, extensive building developments took place in 1939, 1972, 1978, 1986, and 2004.
Under the trusteeship of the Loreto Education Trust, our school provides a holistic Catholic education for girls. While rooted in our faith tradition, we warmly welcome students of all beliefs and backgrounds. Today, our dynamic community comprises 930 students from 31 different countries, creating an enriched global environment where girls of all abilities, faiths and traditions, learn, grow, and achieve together.
For many years, Loreto operated as both a day and boarding school, enabling young women from across County Donegal to receive a comprehensive secondary education.
THE MARY WARD COMPASS - THE LORETO TRADITION The Mary Ward Compass acts as a foundational framework for Loreto Schools, guiding us to stay Rooted, Responsive, and Relevant while placing our core values at the center of school development. We take pride in our rich tradition of promoting change, equity, and inclusion.
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Loreto Secondary School - Letterkenny
BEGINNING YOUR JOURNEY AT LORETO LETTERKENNY At Loreto Letterkenny, we are committed to ensuring that the transition from primary to post-primary school is as smooth as possible. We strive to make this an enjoyable and positive experience for both students and their families.
VISITING PRIMARY SCHOOLS Each November, a dedicated team of our teachers visits sixth-class pupils to introduce our school. During these visits, we share a glimpse of life at Loreto and offer essential guidance regarding our admissions process and the upcoming Open Evening.
OPEN NIGHT At our Open Night, prospective students and their parents/guardians are welcomed and guided through the school by our Fifth Year Monitors. Visitors explore classrooms, discover our facilities, meet teachers and current students who are on hand to share advice on subject choices. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to experience our school environment, ask questions, and learn more about the Loreto ethos.
INFORMATION EVENING Once your daughter’s place at Loreto Letterkenny is confirmed, we host an Information Evening in May for incoming parents and guardians. Attendees will meet the First Year Deputy Principal, Year Head, and key support team members. We cover practical topics including school uniforms, daily schedules, timetables, and key procedures, ensuring parents have the chance to clarify any questions and connect with staff who will guide their daughter through her transition.
INDUCTION PROGRAMME To help new first-year students settle in and build connections with peers and staff, during their initial days in Loreto, they follow an induction programme. Guided by Class Tutors, Class Prefects, SNAs, the Year Head, Deputy Principals, and Principal, students participate in interactive and enjoyable activities. This dedicated programme allows incoming students to become familiar with the school layout without the presence of older year groups, ensuring a reassuring and positive start.
THE DECATHLON Throughout the first term, prefects organise the ‘Decathlon’—an inter-class competition designed for first-year students. Class groups select participants for a range of engaging activities and sports, including debating,art, dance, basketball, Gaelic football,and soccer. Points are earned across these events, leading up to the announcement of the winning class at the end-of-term Halloween Horrors event. Beyond the competition, the Decathlon offers first years a fantastic opportunity to foster team spirit and build new friendships across classes.
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PROSPECTUS - 2027/2028
HALLOWEEN HORRORS The highlight of the term. First year students dress in Halloween costumes and have an afternoon of fun activities to mark the end of their first term they are fully fledged members of ‘The Brown Army.’
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS We recognise that some students may require extra support. By collaborating closely with primary schools, NEPS, CAMHS, and families, we establish tailored support plans ahead of our Induction programme so every student feels fully supported to enjoy the induction process.
SPECIALIST ROOMS & FACILITIES Art
2 Dedicated Art Studios
Home Economics
4 Fully Equipped Kitchens & 1 Textiles Room
Music & Performing Arts
2 Music Rooms & Large Concert Hall
Science
5 Science Laboratories & 2 Demonstration Rooms
ICT & Digital Learning
4 Computer Suites & 5 Mobile Chromebook Trolleys
SEN & Accessibility
2 ASD Classes, 2 Student Support Rooms, & Elevator Access (2 Lifts)
Sports & Athletics
Gymnasium & Full-Size Grass Pitch
Additional Amenities
School Canteen (Open from 8:00 AM daily) School Library (Open during lunch times) Oratory (Quiet Prayer Space) The Constance Centre (Multipurpose Hall) 5
Loreto Secondary School - Letterkenny
CURRICULUM & PROGRAMMES Excellence in Education
At Loreto Secondary School Letterkenny, we are committed to providing an engaging, student centred education. Our curriculum reflects the modern world and the evolving needs of our students.
JUNIOR CYCLE
BEING LITERATE
At Junior Cycle, we offer a broad and balanced range of subjects designed to foster academic growth, creativity, and personal development.
COMMUNICATING
MANAG MYSE
JUNIOR CYCLE SUBJECT OFFERINGS Core Subjects
English, Irish, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Religious Education*
Modern Languages
French, Spanish
Practical & Creative
Art, Business Studies, Home Economics, Music
Wellbeing & Social
CSPE, Digital Skills, Physical Education (PE), SPHE, Wellbeing
WORKING WITH OTHERS
KEY SKILLS
BEING CREATIVE
* Religious Education is an exam subject based on the Department of Education’s syllabus. This multidenominational approach helps foster a culture of inclusion, respect for all faiths, and appreciation for non-religious worldviews. This is separate from Faith Formation.
MANAGING INFORMATION & THINKING BEING NUMERATE
SENIOR CYCLE PATHWAYS 1. Transition Year (TY) An optional one-year programme focused on personal and social development, offering students unique opportunities to develop critical life skills outside the formal examination environment.
2. Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) LCA is a distinct, self-contained two year Leaving Certificate Programme designed to prepare students for adult and working life through practical, active, and student-centred learning, leading to a Level 4 qualification. It emphasises forms of achievement and excellence that the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past. The LCA programme offers opportunities to students to prepare for and progress to further education and training.
3. Leaving Certificate Established (LCE) The traditional academic pathway where students typically study seven subjects, including compulsory Irish (unless exempt), leading to higher education and direct career entry.
LEAVING CERTIFICATE SUBJECTS
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Language & Literature
English, Irish, French, Spanish
STEM & Sciences
Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Physics & Chemistry
Business & Social Sciences
Accounting, Business, Economics, Geography, History
Arts, Wellbeing & Other
Art, Careers, Home Economics, Information Education, Life Community and Work*, Music, Physical Education, Religion, Religious Education, Wellbeing
PROSPECTUS - 2027/2028
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS At Loreto Letterkenny we are proud of the achievements of all our students, whether this is academic, extra curricular or a personal achievement. We have a strong tradition of academic excellence and the number of senior programmes we offer allows our students to reach their full potential.
GING ELF
STAYING WELL
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LEAVING CERTIFICATE RESULTS 2026
625
Maximum score achieved by 2 of our students.
600+
4 students achieved over 600 points.
500+
24% of our leaving certificate students achieved over 500 points.
POINTS
POINTS
POINTS
JUNIOR CYCLE RESULTS 2026
40%
of Junior Cycle students were awarded Distinctions. With a maximum score of 10 Distinctions achieved by 2 of our students.
LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED RESULTS 2026
57%
of our Leaving Certificate Applied students achieved between 85%-100% in their leaving certificate meaning that they were awarded a Distinction in their Leaving Cert results.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROGRESSION RATES
95%
In the annual league table, Loreto Letterkenny were the highest ranking secondary school in Donegal for students progressing to third level institutions with 95%. 7
Loreto Secondary School - Letterkenny
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES We are proud to offer a wide range of extra and co-curricular activities, providing every student with opportunities to discover new interests, nurture their talents, develop confidence and enjoy a rich and fulfilling school experience. Our students participate in and compete across a wide variety of sporting activities at all age groups. Being involved in a team helps students to develop skills outside of the classroom; working as part of a team, being self motivated, being active, learning how to deal with disappointments as well as victories. There are a myriad of extra curricular non sporting clubs and societies for Loreto Letterkenny students to participate in. We aim to cater for as many different interests as possible. Being involved in these activities allows our students to develop friendships outside of their base classes and to develop important skills.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
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Sports
Athletics, Basketball, Camogie, Futsal, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Swimming, Horseriding
Academic & Leadership
All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad, Stripe Young Scientist, Díospóireacht, Ember Ignite Faith, Leadership team, Monitors, Gael Linn, Public Speaking, Student Council, Model United Nations
Arts & Culture
Book Club, Choir, Culture Club, Drama Club, Trad Group
Community & Social
Colouring Club, Games room, LGBTQI +, Positivtea, Young SVP Programme, Green Schools
PROSPECTUS - 2027/2028
STUDENT LEADERSHIP At Loreto Letterkenny, we place a strong emphasis on providing our students with diverse leadership opportunities, empowering them to step confidently into the future. Taking on student leadership roles instils pride, responsibility, and trust, while also offering positive role models for our junior students.
STUDENT COUNCIL At Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny, we take immense pride in our active and dedicated Student Council. The Student council represents the entire student body and helps to promote a positive school environment which is conducive to educational and personal development. The Student Council has elected representatives from each year group and meets weekly. It enhances communications between students, school management, staff and parents. The student council also engages in many community fundraisers and awareness projects. Keep an eye on our news feed where we will update frequently on Student Council initiatives.
Head Girl - Aine Galllagher
TY CAPTAINS Our TY Captains play an important role in promoting student leadership, teamwork and student voice within our school. Elected by their classmates, they act as representatives and help organise and coordinate a wide range of TY events and activities throughout the year. Working closely with the TY Coordinator, they lead student committees, share ideas and encourage participation across the TY programme. This leadership opportunity helps students develop valuable skills in communication, organisation, responsibility and teamwork, while making a positive contribution to school life
Deputy Head Girl - Cassie Lambe
5TH YEAR MONITORS Fifth year students are given the opportunity to be Monitors. Monitors attend many school activities such as Information evenings and Parent Teacher Meetings. This role allows our students to develop their leadership capacity as they engage with other students, staff, parents and the wider school community.
6TH YEAR PREFECT TEAM The senior leadership team (Prefects) are elected each year from the sixth year group by their teachers and peers. The senior prefects act as role models and mentors for all the students in our school and help to build and promote a positive, safe and happy school environment by their presence and example. Each prefect has responsibility for a junior class. They give time to this class and are kind and approachable to the students in their care. Being a senior prefect in Loreto Secondary School enables our students to develop personally into effective leaders, it creates cohesion between the sixth year students and the rest of the student body and it aims to use the strengths of the senior prefects to benefit and inspire our younger students. 9
Loreto Secondary School - Letterkenny
STUDENT SUPPORT
A Caring and Inclusive Environment Rooted in a commitment to educational equality since 1854, Loreto Letterkenny was founded to offer young women equal opportunities in education. Today, this devotion to inclusivity and access remains at the heart of our mission. We recognise that students excel academically and personal growth flourishes when they feel safe, cherished, happy, and included. Rather than an addition to our duties, pastoral care is integral to our identity and embedded across all areas of school life. Through a whole-school approach, we nurture, encourage, and empower every student to reach her fullest potential.
CLASS TUTORS Class tutors meet with each first-year class weekly for tutor sessions dedicated to student welfare. Serving as a crucial bridge connecting students with the year head and deputy principal, the tutor guides first years as they navigate their transition into the school. Additionally, class tutors collaborate with class prefects—sixth-year students assigned to offer guidance, reassurance, and practical support to the incoming class.
YEAR HEADS Each year group is assigned a dedicated Year Head responsible for guiding student development and oversight of well-being. Working in close partnership with class tutors, class teachers, the deputy principals, and the AEN Team, Year Heads serve as committed advocates for their students. They ensure that all pastoral, academic, and personal support needs are fully met.
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DEPUTY PRINCIPALS At Loreto Letterkenny, our three Deputy Principals, Caitriona Campbell, Shiobaun McGee & Aileen Harvey play an integral role in providing both academic and emotional support to our students. Each Deputy Principal oversees the care and progress of two specific year groups, ensuring personalised attention and continuity. Working in close collaboration with Year Heads, the AEN Team, the Principal, and parents or guardians, they create a strong framework to scaffold student growth and development across all aspects of their secondary school journey.
PROSPECTUS - 2027/2028
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Loreto Secondary School - Letterkenny
ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (AEN) TEAM The Additional Educational Needs (AEN) team plays a vital role in supporting all students across the school community. Dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment, the team ensures that every student receives the guidance, resources, and encouragement necessary to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Each student under the care of the AEN team receives an individualised support plan tailored to their specific strengths and challenges. This plan is designed to provide targeted scaffolding, empowering students to build confidence, overcome obstacles, and reach their full potential throughout their secondary school education. To ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary school, the AEN team collaborates closely with primary schools, parents, NEPS, and other external agencies. By sharing key insights and planning ahead, they establish comprehensive support frameworks well before students begin their journey at Loreto Letterkenny. Recognising that students' needs evolve throughout their academic journey, all stakeholders—including teachers, support staff, external professionals, and families—continue to work together. Through ongoing assessment and communication, student support plans are regularly adapted to meet changing requirements and ensure continuous, responsive care.
GUIDANCE SUPPORT
ASD CLASSES
In addition to advising senior cycle students on higher education pathways, our two guidance counsellors collaborate closely with the AEN team. They deliver extensive individual and group support to assist students with both academic and personal needs.
We believe that every student deserves a nurturing environment tailored to their unique needs, ensuring they feel valued, understood, and empowered to thrive. At Loreto Letterkenny, inclusion and unwavering support for students in our ASD classes are at the very heart of our educational community. We have 2 ASD classes, each class accommodating up to 6 students. Supported by 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs. Students enjoy a flexible approach, splitting their time between the ASD special class and mainstream subject classes based on their individual developmental needs and personal goals.
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM Key support staff representing each year group gather regularly to formulate, execute, and monitor individualised support strategies tailored to address both the academic and pastoral needs of our students.
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PROSPECTUS - 2027/2028
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Loreto Secondary School - Letterkenny
INSIGHTS AND TIPS FROM CURRENT 1ST YEAR STUDENTS FOR 6TH CLASS PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS BEST THING ABOUT SECONDARY SCHOOL
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The school canteen is really good and there are loads of options to choose from. The cookies are definitely a 10/10!”
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Everyone is so friendly in Loreto and the teachers and SNAs are so helpful.”
My favourite thing about Loreto is that there are so many extra curricular activities and clubs. You should definitely get involved.”
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PROSPECTUS - 2027/2028
ADVICE FOR CURRENT 6TH CLASS STUDENTS
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Trust me, everything you heard about the school is true: Loreto is an amazing school and you will make wonderful friends here.”
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Be brave and talk to everyone! On my first day, I was nervous to approach groups, but as soon as I built up the courage to say hello, I found people who became my best friends.”
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Most people think we are exaggerating when we say you’ll meet so many new people, but it’s true! I’m close with everyone in my base class after a month. Don’t be scared to speak to others or ask for help—everyone is in the same boat and looking to make new friends.
I love all the new subjects in Loreto and having lots of different subject teachers in one day is really good.”
Everything goes really smoothly when you arrive. There are always teachers, SNAs and prefects to help you find your way around.”
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Never worry about getting lost or feeling unsure. Older students and teachers are always nearby to guide you with a smile.”
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I was nervous on the morning of my first day, but as soon as I stepped through the doors, the welcoming atmosphere made me feel right at home. Enjoy every moment!” 15
LORETO SECONDARY SCHOOL Letterkenny, County Donegal 074 912 1850 info@loretoletterkenny.ie www.loretoletterkenny.ie