Education is more than just learning - it’s about connection, values and the power to make a difference.
Nowhere is this clearer than at Loreto Grammar School in Altrincham, a proud member of the international Loreto network that spans 119 schools across 12 countries and six continents.
With over 70,000 students, 3,500 teachers and 1,400 support staff, the Loreto community is truly global, united by a shared commitment to the vision of its founder, Mary Ward.
Headteacher Jane Beever is passionate about this worldwide connection and the impact it has on students.
"The influence of Mary Ward and the sisters, and their approach to education across the world, is just phenomenal," she said. "It’s about that global connection - our students feel part of something bigger."
Loreto schools are more than just educational institutions; they are centres for advocacy, particularly for women.
Mary Ward, who founded the Loreto community over 400 years ago, believed in the power of education to create change.
Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained determined to empower young women. Her mission continues today, as Loreto students engage in initiatives such as virtual discussions with schools in South Africa, India and Germany, as well as partnerships with the United Nations to promote gender equality.
"If you have an education, I think there's a duty to do something with it," Mrs Beever added. "Everyone plays their part, wherever they are called to play that part, and we encourage our students to take opportunities and make a difference."
A powerful example of this connection to the past and future is the Year 8 ‘Following in the Footsteps of Mary Ward’ trip to York this June.
This journey allows students to explore key locations linked to Mary Ward’s life, including York Minster, the Bar Convent and her grave at St Thomas’s Church in Osbaldwick.
The trip also takes them to Newby, her birthplace, and Mount Grace Priory, a site of personal pilgrimage for Mary Ward herself.
With 2025 marking a Jubilee year for the Church under the theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, this trip is an ideal opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Mary Ward’s remarkable legacy.
"It’s not just about history - it’s about carrying her values forward," said Mrs Beever. "Our students recognise the privilege of their education, and we encourage them to use that privilege to advocate for others."
At Loreto Grammar, education goes beyond the classroom. It is a commitment to the values of Mary Ward - justice, sincerity and the power of connection. Through its global network, the school continues to inspire young women to lead with purpose, just as its founder did centuries ago.
