At Loughborough High School we believe that a happy school environment naturally leads to success. That is why our most important role is to ensure that pupils enjoy their time with us. We place great emphasis on providing first-class pastoral support and work hard to ensure that each girl feels a sense of belonging.
We aim:
To provide an excellent academic education in a caring and supportive atmosphere;
To give opportunities for each pupil to develop not only intellectually but also creatively, spiritually and morally; To create conditions in which initiative and independent thought and inquiry are welcomed and a lifelong enjoyment of learning is cultivated;
To foster good standards of behaviour and mature, responsible, considerate attitudes both in and out of school;
To encourage all pupils to participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities which encourage personal and physical development and which inculcate a sense of self belief and esteem;
To provide opportunities for pupils to act as leaders in the school community and to work together with the wider community;
To ensure, as far as possible, that pupils are equipped to face the challenges and demands of life beyond school, becoming active citizens of the 21st century.
The School recognises the value of each pupil as an individual and celebrates diversity within the community. We nurture every aspect of pupils’ personalities - intellectual, creative, emotional, physical and spiritual. Support for each other and the beliefs of the individuals within the community are key.
We encourage the pupils at all times to discuss topics which are causing concern with the relevant staff, and we work together with parents to provide a secure and supportive environment where all ages, cultures and religious backgrounds can thrive.
We believe in empowering our pupils to become bold, confident, courageous, resilient and fearless young women of integrity in an environment where they enjoy not only equal opportunity but every opportunity.
In Year 7, all pupils study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Latin, Religious Studies, Art, Music, Food, ICT, Drama and Physical Education. Pupils will experience French, German and Spanish before being helped to decide which language to continue.
From Year 9, Science is taught as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This is the start of the exam courses in these subjects. In this year, pupils choose a second ancient or modern language or Classical Civilisation. They also choose two subjects from: Art, Drama, Food, ICT and Music. Careers work and interviews with staff help pupils to choose their Year 10 option subjects.
Pupils study for nine GCSEs in total, with a core recommendation of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and two sciences. They are encouraged to take one humanity, a language, and a creative subject with their remaining four choices. We offer the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) in Year 10, an independent study project allowing pupils to plan, investigate, and deliver a project of their choosing under staff supervision. This is worth half a GCSE, taking our GCSE offer to nine and a half GCSEs for those pupils taking the HPQ. Other subjects offered at GCSE level are Art, Classical Civilisation, Classical Greek, Computer Science, Drama, Food and Nutrition, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Spanish. Also on offer is the OCR Level 3 Additional Maths Free Standing Maths Qualification, which provides great preparation for A Level Maths and can attract up to 10 UCAS points.
Most students study for 3 A Level subjects. The subjects offered are: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Classical Greek, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, English Literature, Food Science and Nutrition, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, German, Government and Politics, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Music Technology, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies and Spanish. The enrichment programme in Years 12 and 13, includes recreational activities and the opportunity to take a range of courses including the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The timetable is constructed as far as possible around the pupils’ choices of subjects, but normally at least seven students are needed for a viable group. Some Sixth Form courses are taught jointly with students from Loughborough Grammar School and/or Loughborough Amherst School. All year groups follow a PSHCE programme appropriate to their age and needs.
Additional qualifications are offered at appropriate points in the upper part of School. These include the financial qualifications from the London Institute of Banking and Finance.
In addition to their academic studies, students in the Sixth Form have an afternoon a week dedicated to their health and wellbeing, as well as a weekly afternoon enrichment session on Thursdays where students extend themselves outside of the curriculum.
Parents who are considering Loughborough High School for their child are encouraged to visit the School and meet a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
We suggest that you request a tour of the School on a working day. We believe that this enables you to gain a sense of the character and atmosphere as well as an opportunity to see the facilities and to talk to members of the school community. Then you will be well placed to decide whether Loughborough High School is a school where you feel that your child will be happy and thrive.
The entrance assessment for entry to Year 7 in September 2024 will be held on Saturday 13 January 2024 . The entrance assessment for entry to Years 8, 9 and 10 in September 2024 will be held on Tuesday 16 January 2024 . If you would like your child to sit the entrance assessment, please complete and return the Registration form by the end of the preceding November. It is possible for applications to be considered at other times, subject to the availability of places. Please see page 8 for details of the procedure for entry to Year 12.
The Registration form can be found on the Apply page of our website. It should be completed in full and submitted online.
Alternatively you can download a hard copy of the relevant form from the appropriate Admissions Timeline page, which should be completed and addressed to the School for the attention of:
The Registrar
Loughborough High School
Burton Walks
Loughborough LE11 2DU
For more information or for assistance with the admissions process please contact our Registrar Miss Alison Anderson, on 01509 283800 or by email to high.admissions@lsf.org
Year 7
Saturday 13 January 2024
Years 8, 9 and 10
Tuesday 16 January 2024
We welcome applications and will assess girls at all times of the year. Applications can be taken for in-year entry if a place is available.
The aim of the entrance assessment is to assess, as far as possible, academic potential, and to find out whether the candidate has the range of ability to enable them to cope happily and successfully with the courses which the School offers.
We do not expect the candidate to have received special preparation or coaching to take the assessment.
We do expect the candidate to be familiar with the material for the National Curriculum, but not necessarily to have followed it.
Candidates are assessed in Mathematics, English and a computer assessment analysing a range of subjects and skills.
We also request a report from the candidate’s current school, although the candidate will not be penalised if this is not provided. We invite parents of candidates with additional needs or disabilities, which may need to be considered for their entrance assessment, to discuss these needs with the School as early as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be considered. For example, a recent expert report, an educational psychologist’s report confirming dyslexia or a medical report confirming a disability, would need to be submitted to the School for consideration by the end of November.
English as an Additional Language needs can also be considered where a pupil might not have yet reached fluency in the English language through living overseas for example until recently, and parents are encouraged to discuss language proficiency or related needs for any pupils applying to us so that we can consider adaptations if possible.
The ability to understand written passages is tested by means of comprehension questions. These will require, for example, the explanation of the writer’s meaning, the drawing of reasonable inferences and understanding and explaining the meanings of words.
The ability to write well is tested by means of a composition. Qualities looked for are the ability to clearly convey meaning, to write in an interesting manner, and to show evidence of liveliness, originality, imagination and thoughtfulness. The use of a wide vocabulary, a variety of sentence structure and a reasonable standard of spelling and punctuation will be expected.
The questions are intended to test the candidates’ powers of reasoning and their ability to apply mathematical concepts. Candidates will not use a calculator. The requirements are:
Number: A sound knowledge of multiplication tables; fractions, decimals and whole numbers including directed numbers; an understanding of place value; knowledge of special types of number; primes, squares etc; percentages; simple proportion; estimation; an ability to be able to convert to and from Roman numerals; simple sequences; an understanding of the order of operations; the four operations applied to the above including long multiplication and division of numbers.
Algebra: Simple formulae in words; basic algebra.
Geometry: Measuring properties of shapes; area of rectangles and triangles; names of mathematical shapes; angle measure and angle facts; symmetry.
Mensuration: The metric measurements of length, area, volume and weight; working with time and money; speed, distance and time.
Statistics and probability: The interpretation, reading and construction of different types of graphs, charts and tables; probability in words and numbers.
We use a national computer assessment lasting around 45 minutes, analysing a range of subjects and skills. There is no need to prepare for this assessment.
Candidates are assessed in Mathematics, English, a computer assessment analysing a range of subjects and skills and by interview.
We request a report from the candidate’s current school, although the candidate will not be penalised if this is not provided. We invite parents of pupils with additional needs or disabilities which may need to be considered for their entrance assessment, to discuss these needs with the School as early as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be considered. For example, a recent expert report, an educational psychologist’s report confirming dyslexia or a medical report confirming a disability would need to be submitted to the School for consideration by the end of November.
English as an Additional Language needs can also be considered where a pupil might not have yet reached fluency in the English language through living overseas for example until recently, and parents are encouraged to discuss language proficiency or related needs for any pupils applying to us so that we can consider adaptations if possible.
For entry into Years 8, 9 and 10, the assessment format is identical. The papers themselves are different according to the age group. There are two main components of the entrance assessment in English, comprehension (reading) and composition (writing). The assessment lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the comprehension followed by the composition.
Candidates read a passage and answer questions on what they have read. The answers expected will range from brief to lengthier responses. Some indication of the length of the answer required is given by the number of marks allocated and the space available on the paper for the answer.
Candidates select one title from several on offer. There will be a variety of tasks set, for example a story, a description, an essay in which an opinion is invited.
Candidates should write in a lively, imaginative way, selecting words with care, and paying attention to punctuation and spelling. We are looking for quality rather than quantity, and therefore, excessively long answers to the composition should be avoided.
The Mathematics paper lasts for 1 hour. The papers for entry to Years 8 and 9 do not require a calculator. One is required for the paper taken for entry to Year 10. Pupils at this School will have been working from Collins ‘Maths Frameworking Book 1.3’ in Year 7 and ‘Essential Maths’ Books 8H or 9H by David Rayner and Michael White in Years 8 and 9. The following list of topics for each entrance year gives a rough guide to the content of a typical entrance assessment for that year. However, not all topics mentioned will necessarily be on a particular paper. Each assessment assumes knowledge of the previous year’s topics.
Arithmetic – four operations; fractions; decimals; percentages; ratio; indices; multiples; factors; different types of number; sequences; rounding.
Algebra – substitution; basic manipulation including single brackets; solving simple equations.
Geometry – angles and angle facts; regular polygons; triangle construction; scale drawing.
Mensuration – area; volume; speed/distance/ time.
Statistics & probability – bar charts; mean of a set of data; probability.
Proportion – change of units; problem solving; scales.
Graphs – coordinates; reading of scales; using graphs.
Arithmetic - directed numbers; standard form; more on percentages, multiplication and division; fractions.
Algebra - brackets; problem solving; sequences; more substitution and equations; formulae.
Geometry - parallel lines; line and rotational symmetry; polygon angles; bearings and maps; more scale drawing.
Mensuration - more area; graphs.
Statistics & probability - pie charts; more on probability; averages.
Proportion - exchange rates; problem solving; science problems.
Graphs - drawing and using graphs; travel and information graphs.
Transformations - reflections; rotations; translations.
Arithmetic - percentage change; successive percentage change.
Algebra - more brackets; algebraic fractions (and in the context of equations); simultaneous equations; more inequalities; rearrangement of formulae.
Geometry - angles in a circle; similar triangles; gradients; enlargements; loci; maps and bearings; three dimensional figures.
Mensuration - see algebra, bounds, volume of simple shapes, formulae for circumference and area of a circle; Pythagoras’ theorem.
Statistics & probability - averages; frequency distributions; probability of single and combined events.
Proportion - comparative costs; inverse proportion; more science problems.
Graphs - graphs of y=ax; y=ax+b; y=2ax etc.
Trigonometry - basic principles; tangent, sine and cosine ratios; solving problems.
We use a national computer assessment lasting around 45 minutes for entry into Years 8 or 9 and a slightly longer programme for Year 10 entry, analysing a range of subjects and skills. There is no need to prepare for this assessment.
We welcome enquiries from students interested in transferring to Loughborough High School at Sixth Form level and each year a number of new students join us at this entry point.
If you would like to visit the School to find out more, we offer the following opportunities:
Students currently in Year 11 are invited to attend a taster morning to meet current Sixth Formers and staff as well as to sample Year 12 lessons.
Personal appointments with the Head, Dr Miles or the Director of Sixth Form, Mr Travis and tours of the School on a working day are available on request.
Students who wish to apply for entry to the Sixth Form in September 2024 should submit a completed Sixth Form registration form, available from the Registrar or on the School website, by the end of November 2023. Interviews will be held towards the end of the Autumn term 2023 and, subject to the availability of places, also during the Spring term 2024.
Following a successful interview, a provisional offer of a place will be made which is dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory reference from your current school and your achievement of good GCSE results. You will be asked to contact us on GCSE results day to notify us of the grades you have achieved and, provided you have met the requirements specified in your offer letter, the provisional offer will be confirmed straight away.
Typically, we require at least a grade 7 in the subjects you plan to continue and you will be expected to achieve grade 6 or better in at least 5 subjects which should include Maths, English and a Science (regardless of the subjects to be taken at A Level). In addition, individual subjects may have specific requirements at GCSE; for example, a grade 6 in Mathematics is required in order to study Economics. However, each application is considered individually and offers made accordingly.
In practice this can mean that you would need more than 5 GCSEs at grade 6 or above.
Fees are reviewed annually for the following year.
The registration fee of £100 should be sent with the Registration Form. Please make payment via bank transfer, and refer to the Registration Form for the bank transfer details. Payment may also be made via debit or credit card, or cheque, payable to ‘Loughborough Schools Foundation’. The registration fee is non-refundable.
An acceptance deposit of £400 is payable on acceptance of a place and is returned when students leave in accordance with the Foundation’s Terms and Conditions.
Acceptance deposit for overseas pupils £1,000
Please note that fees are due on the first day of each term. Payment may be made by bank transfer, direct debit, debit card, credit card or the School operates a monthly payment plan. For overseas students, payment may be made by bank transfer or by credit card. For credit card payments, standard charges will apply.
Full details of the schemes are available from the Registrar at the School or the Finance Office at the Bursary, bursary.fees@lsf.org
Day Fees Year 7 to 9 £5,300 per term
Year 10 to 11 £5,380 per term
Year 12 to 13 £5,390 per term
Lunch Fees £5.15 per lunch
Music Charges £27.75 per 30-minute lesson
The Foundation offers a number of honorary awards for Year 7 which are awarded on academic merit. All candidates are considered for these awards without the need for any further application. These have no financial value but confer considerable prestige. Scholarships are not awarded at Sixth Form.
Music Scholarships are available at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12. We welcome applications from both internal and external candidates; an offer of a Scholarship is conditional on gaining entry to one of the Schools in the Loughborough Schools Foundation.
Music Scholarships are available by audition in January to exceptional practical musicians, whether instrumentalists or vocalists. They provide the framework for a comprehensive partnership between the pupil and the Music department. Music Scholarships will be tenable for the duration of a pupil’s time at the Loughborough Schools Foundation, subject to annual review, and comprise individually tailored support with performance practice, music theory and aural skills, unrivalled ensemble experience and full access to the Enhanced Music Programme. Scholars must be enthusiastic and able musicians, who can demonstrate their passion for the subject as well as their technical skill. They will be mentored throughout their time at School to ensure they become the best musicians that they can be.
Applications for Music Scholarships should be submitted by 09:00, Monday 15 January 2024 Further details are available on www.lsf.org/high/admissions/scholarships
Music Scholarship interviews will be held on 18 and 19 January 2024.
SAPS may be awarded to pupils whose parents are unable to pay the full school fees and all applicants for financial support are thus means tested as part of the application process. These awards are designed to assist those pupils who have demonstrated the potential to benefit from the education and opportunities provided by Loughborough High School and who would actively contribute to the ethos and community spirit within the School. The awards are subject to review and will continue through the pupil’s time at School for as long as it can be demonstrated that they are benefiting from the educational provision, and there remains a need for financial assistance.
SAPS are awarded by the Head, who will consider a number of factors before making a decision and it is important to note that the academic merit of pupils as well as the financial situation of the parents will be taken into account when considering the award. Sadly, it is not possible to offer support to all those parents whose financial circumstances warrant it and making an application does not guarantee that financial assistance will form part of the offer. Please contact the Registrar on high.admissions@lsf.org for further information.
In order to be considered for a SAP, it is necessary to complete and submit a Statement of Financial Circumstance Form with relevant supporting documentation, by no later than 31 October 2023
Please note that we are unable to consider late applicants for means tested financial support and the award verification process may include a home visit. Parents/Legal Guardians will be notified by the end of January whether or not a financial award is being made and the exact amount.
Further information can be found on the school website.
The following information is available on our website.
Admissions Policy and Procedures
Anti-Bullying Policy
Behaviour Policy
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Complaints Policy
Curriculum Policy
EAL Policy
First Aid, Medical and Accident Reporting Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Out of School Visits Policy
Relationships and Sex Education Policy
Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy
Student Serious Disciplinary Policy
Taking, Storing and Using Images of Pupils
Transgender Statement
A full list of all Loughborough Schools Foundation and Loughborough High School policies is available on request. The text of all policies, including those which are not published on the website, is available on request.
Please refer to the website for the most recent information regarding:
Governing Body and Staff
Departmental Information
Destinations of Leavers
ISI Inspection Report
School Bus Routes
School’s Academic Performance
There is a network of School buses that operate across a vast area of the East Midlands.
The routes are managed by our appointed partner, Passenger Travel Solutions. Please view our interactive map on the Foundation website for all contact details and information about stops and times.
www.lsf.org/transport-network
Please address all admissions enquiries to the Registrar, Miss Alison Anderson, on 01509 283800 or by email to high.admissions@lsf.org
The Chair of the Governors, Mr Roger Harrison, may be contacted on 01509 283701 or by email to secretary.board@lsf.org or at the postal address:
3 Burton Walks, Loughborough, LE11 2DU
The prospectus and admissions information booklets describe the broad principles on which the School is presently run. Although believed to be correct at the time of printing, the prospectus or admissions information booklets are not part of any agreement between parents and Loughborough Schools Foundation. Parents wishing to place specific reliance on matters given in the prospectus or admissions information booklets should seek written confirmation of that statement before accepting the offer of a place.
August 2023
