First Loreto. Then the world.

Established in 1897, Loreto Normanhurst is a leading Sydney, Catholic, independent day and boarding school for girls from Year 5 to 12. Boarding is affectionately known as the ‘heart’ of our community, and is available to students in Year 7 to 12. Loreto Boarding enriches the diversity of our thriving community by connecting students from all over Australia and the world. Our fully flexible boarding model welcomes students from ex-pat and overseas families and the Sydney basin, with over 80% of our boarders coming from rural NSW.

Located on Sydney’s leafy Upper North Shore, the school is set on the edge of bushland in spacious grounds of over 25 acres, with beautiful ovals and a large sporting and aquatic complex. The school is well serviced by train and bus, and is in close proximity to exits for the M1, M2 and M7.

Construction has begun on a new forward-thinking facility equipped to meet the diverse needs of the contemporary boarding community. With a planned opening in 2026, the purpose-built Boarding School will deliver increased student accommodation, flexible communal spaces and reflect the school’s vision to create a modern, ecologically sustainable home for boarding students. ​

We are proud of our 125 years of experience in educating young women of grit and integrity. We remain committed to the ever-relevant conviction of our foundress Mary Ward, a pioneering woman of faith who lived from 1585-1645 and believed that “women in time to come will do much.” Drawing from gospel values and the Loreto values of Felicity, Justice, Freedom, Sincerity and Verity, a holistic Loreto education is one that empowers our students to be courageous, curious and compassionate leaders of change.

A holistic Loreto education places equal emphasis on learning and on building relationships in a caring community. Our unique and robust Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model (LNSGM) motivates our students to be life-long learners and critical thinkers dedicated to all areas of our FACE Curriculum – Faith, Academic, Community and Extra-curricular. Guided by an active faith, we prioritise social justice and encourage students to take action in service of their communities.

The success of the model in the academic realm is evident in the school’s strong results. Loreto Normanhurst received 5 Top Achievers and 4 All-round Achievers, with 238 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers List in the 2024 HSC.

We provide access to our unique brand of holistic learning to rural, regional and Indigenous students through the schools’ boarding program.  Specific places are available through the school’s Bursary Program and Indigenous Scholarship Program for those who may not otherwise be able to access a Loreto education.

Ms Marina Ugonotti is Principal of Loreto Normanhurst. She is passionate about education and working with young people and is committed to developing strong, caring, future-focused learners who are ready to make change in the world.

Visit us and tour our school

We invite you to explore our Primary, Secondary and Boarding Schools via our Virtual Tours or book a Twilight Tour.