Why Loreto
Six reasons families choose Loreto Convent School
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family will make. Loreto Convent School has been educating children of substance in the heart of Pretoria since 1878 —boys and girls together in the primary school, and young women of distinction in the high school. Here is what sets Loreto apart.
1. A track record that speaks for itself
Loreto has achieved a 100% National Senior Certificate pass rate for 32 consecutive years. This is not a slogan —it is a verified, unbroken record of academic commitment.
In 2025, 94.29% of the matric class qualified for bachelor’s degree study at university. Twenty-one subject distinctions were awarded across the class. These results are achieved consistently, year after year, because academic excellence is embedded in the culture of the school —not left to chance.
2. One school, from age three to matric
Loreto Convent School is a combined school offering a continuous education from Grade RRR (age three) through to Grade 12 (matric). The pre-school and primary school are fully co-educational —boys and girls learn together from Grade RRR to Grade 7. From Grade 8, the high school is for girls only, continuing the Mary Ward tradition of educating young women to the highest standard.
There is no disruptive transition from a separate pre-school to a primary school, and no upheaval when moving to high school. A child who begins at Loreto at age three can walk across the stage at her matric graduation having spent her entire school career in the care of one institution. That continuity builds confidence, belonging, and deep relationships between learners, teachers, and families.
3. Faith and values that endure
Loreto Convent School was founded in 1878 by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the religious congregation established by Mary Ward in 1609. Mary Ward believed that women were equal to men in intellect and should be educated accordingly. Her conviction remains the founding purpose of the school.
Loreto is rooted in the Catholic tradition, drawing life from the Gospel and the charism of Mary Ward. The school’s values — integrity, compassion, justice, and service — are offered in a spirit of esteem for all people of goodwill. These values are universal. Loreto welcomes families of every faith and background who share a commitment to raising young people of character.
4. 148 years of heritage and stability
Loreto Convent School has stood on Nana Sita Street in the Pretoria CBD since 1878. The school has endured — and thrived — through every chapter of South Africa’s history. It is one of the oldest independent schools in Gauteng and among the most established Catholic schools in the country.
For families seeking a school with deep roots, proven staying power, and a reputation built over generations, Loreto offers something that no new institution can replicate: 148 years of continuous, unbroken education.
5. Small school, personal attention
Loreto is deliberately smaller than many independent schools. This is a strength, not a limitation. Smaller class sizes mean that every learner is known by name — not just by their teachers, but by the leadership of the school.
Pastoral care at Loreto is personal, not procedural. When a child is struggling, it is noticed early. When a child excels, it is celebrated personally. The school’s size allows it to provide the kind of individual attention that larger institutions cannot match.
6. In the heart of the city — designed for working families
Loreto Convent School is located at 135 Nana Sita Street in the Pretoria CBD — within walking distance of government offices, the courts, and major commercial buildings. For parents who work in the city centre, this is among the most convenient school locations in Pretoria.
The campus is supervised from 06:00 to 17:30, providing a safe, structured environment throughout the working day. After-care is available for learners who need to remain on campus after school hours, at a cost of R430 per month.
Pre-school learners (Grade RRR, RR, and Grade R) are cared for on campus until 17:30, with this extended care included in the school fees — no additional charge.
Ready to visit?
The best way to experience Loreto is to walk through the gates.