Loreto College, St Stephen's Green

Loreto College is part of a worldwide network of schools run by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded in the tradition of Mary Ward. The school's philosophy is centred in God and rooted in Gospel values, with teaching and learning underpinned by the Loreto principles of truth, justice, freedom, sincerity, and joy. The school aims to provide a holistic education that encourages students to 'do good and do it well.'

The school follows the national curriculum, offering the Junior Cycle and the Senior Cycle, which includes the Transition Year programme. The academic structure utilizes one-hour classes to facilitate teaching and learning across a variety of subjects.

The school fosters a holistic education that emphasizes academic achievement, extra-curricular engagement, and social justice. Students are encouraged to become 'seekers of Truth and doers of Justice' while developing their unique talents and gifts within a collaborative community.

The school provides learning support services to assist students, and it maintains a student support team structure that includes a chaplains' office, a buddy system, and a 'Caomhnóir' programme. The school also implements a whole-school guidance plan and a literacy strategy to support student development.

Loreto College is a fee-charging secondary school for girls that admits 96 students into the first year each autumn, divided into four class groups. While a portion of the intake comes from the on-site Loreto Junior School, the college also accepts a small number of students into other year groups when vacancies arise. Families have historically sent their daughters to the school over generations, and the total number of students in any year group does not exceed 96.

The academic year typically begins in late August, with induction days for first-year students and assemblies for other year groups. The school operates on a standard academic calendar, with classes for all year groups usually commencing in early September. The school year includes scheduled breaks, staff training days, and specific events such as an annual open evening.

The school is located in three adjoining buildings at 53-55 St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin city centre. The campus includes a library and various facilities to support its academic and extra-curricular programmes.

The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including arts such as art, drama, music, and an orchestra. Sports options include athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, equestrian, GAA, gymnastics, hockey, rowing, sailing, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tag rugby, and tennis. Students also participate in debating, enterprise, and various social justice initiatives, such as Amnesty International, the Green Committee, the Model United Nations, and the Kolkata Immersion Experience.