The Loreto Schools are a group of all-girl Roman Catholic schools throughout the world associated with the Sisters of Loreto and run by Loreto Educational Society (Loreto sisters), which in India runs 17 schools and 2 colleges. They originated in Ireland in the 1850s so as to combat the growing Protestant influence in English education in the then British-controlled Ireland. Its chief purpose was to ensure Catholic education for Irish Catholic girls. It spread to India and Australia in the 1870s. Loreto Schools in India In Kolkata, India, Loreto schools are located at 7 Middleton Row (Loreto House - the largest of the group), Sealdah, Entally, Bowbazar, Elliot Road and Dharmatala. Loreto Day School Sealdah There are Loreto schools in other cities across India including Darjeeling, Delhi, Lucknow (having two) and Asansol. The schools engage in charitable activities and on academic and all-round development of the students. Loreto Convent, Asansol Loreto Convent Doranda, Ranchi Loreto Convent Lucknow, established 1872 St. Agnes' Loreto Day School,Lucknow Loreto Convent, Tara Hall, Shimla, established 1892 Loreto Convent, Darjeeling, established 1846 Loreto Convent, Shillong Loreto Convent, Delhi See also List of Loreto Colleges and schools Education in Kolkata References Kolkata Catholic schools in India Christian schools in West Bengal Girls' schools in Kolkata 1970s establishments in India