Fettes College and Merchiston Castle School are both in Edinburgh, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and British programmes, and Fettes College also offers IB. Published annual fees are close, at £15,000 - 54,000 for Fettes College and £18,000 - 50,706 for Merchiston Castle School. Fettes College takes pupils from 5 to 18, and Merchiston Castle School from 7 to 18. Fettes College is the larger school, with around 751 pupils to Merchiston Castle School's 400. Typical class sizes are 14 at Fettes College and 15 at Merchiston Castle School.
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP), British Curriculum
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
751
Pupils
400
Typical class size
Typical class size
14
Typical class size
15
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1870
Opened
1833
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Fettes College sits on a 100-acre campus on Carrington Road in Edinburgh, one of the most prestigious school settings in Scotland. The campus features woodland, green spaces, and views towards the Pentland Hills. Edinburgh city centre is a short distance away. Edinburgh has excellent transport links including Edinburgh Airport (20 minutes away) and regular rail services to London and other UK cities.
Location
Merchiston Castle School sits on 100 acres of parkland on Colinton Road in south-west Edinburgh. The campus is well connected to Edinburgh city centre, about 3 miles away. Edinburgh Airport is approximately 20 minutes by car. The city has direct rail links to London and other major UK cities, making it accessible for domestic and international families.
Stages
Stages
The school is structured as Pre-Prep (ages 5-7, launching September 2025), Prep School (ages 7-13), and Senior School (ages 13-18). The Senior School includes a Middle School phase (ages 13-15) with its own diploma, followed by GCSE-level qualifications and either A Levels or the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form.
Stages
The school has four divisions: The Forest (ages 3-11, co-educational), Juniors (ages 11-13), Middle Years (ages 13-16 for GCSEs), and Sixth Form (ages 16-18 for A Levels). Only the Forest section is co-educational; the main school from age 7 is for boys only.
School type
School type
Fettes is an independent co-educational boarding and day school. Boarding is available from the Prep School (age 7). The school is a registered Scottish charity (No SC051259), meaning fees are reinvested into the school.
School type
Merchiston is an independent boys' boarding and day school, the only one of its kind in Scotland. The school is intentionally small, prioritising individual attention. It operates as a charity (SC016580).
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Support for learning is available through a dedicated department. English as an Additional Language support is offered at GBP 12 per lesson for international students who need it.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
The school week includes Saturday electives, extending learning opportunities beyond the standard Monday-to-Friday timetable. The day includes lessons, sports, and co-curricular activities.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Termly Tuition Fees (2025-26, inclusive of VAT)
Pre-Prep (Ages 5-7) - GBP 5,000 per term
Prep School (Ages 7-13) - Day: GBP 8,500 per term - Boarding: GBP 12,500 per term
Senior School (Ages 13-18) - Day: GBP 15,150 per term - Boarding: GBP 18,000 per term
Additional Costs - International Student Administrative Fee: GBP 862 (for students requiring UKVI visas) - Sixth Form Premium: 10% surcharge on first-year fees (spread as 5% per year over two years) - Pre-Prep Wraparound Care: GBP 10-16 per session
Deposits New international entrants pay an additional deposit equal to the first term's fees alongside the standard deposit.
What's Included Fees cover tuition, boarding, meals, most sports, standard co-curricular activities, careers guidance, and medical centre access. Extras such as exam fees, optional trips, and individual enrichment are charged separately.
All fees are due in advance of each term.
Fee details
Termly Tuition Fees (2025-26)
Senior School (IV Form and above) - Day: GBP 8,000 per term - Day PLUS (8am-9pm): GBP 12,258 per term - Flexi-Boarding (2 consecutive nights): GBP 13,993 per term - Full Boarding: GBP 16,902 per term
Junior School (J5 to III Form) - Day PLUS: GBP 6,000 per term - Flexi-Boarding (III Form only): GBP 7,735 per term
Sixth Form Direct Entry - 5% surcharge on annual boarding or day fees
Other Costs - Occasional Boarding: GBP 90 per night - EAL tuition: GBP 12 per lesson
Sibling Discounts - 5% for the second child, 20% for the third, 40% for the fourth - 10% discount for serving military families
What's Included Fees cover tuition, meals and snacks, travel for school matches, and careers counselling. Boarders' fees include 24-hour supervision and laundry.
Payment Three terms per year, fees due on the first day of term. Monthly payment plans available through School Fee Plan (UK residents only).
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Boarding is available from age 7 in the Prep School. Senior School boarders live in dedicated boarding houses on the 100-acre campus. The boarding provision includes meals, pastoral care, and access to the school's extensive co-curricular programme. Weekend activities are part of the boarding experience.
Boarding arrangements
Full boarding is available from the Senior School, with flexi-boarding options (two consecutive nights) available in both Junior and Senior divisions. Occasional boarding at GBP 90 per night is available for day pupils who need it. Boarders receive 24-hour supervision, meals, and laundry services. The Day PLUS option (8am-9pm) provides an extended day without overnight boarding.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
Meals and snacks are included in all fee categories. Boarders receive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks as part of their boarding provision.
House system
House system
Students are assigned to boarding houses which serve as the centre of pastoral and social life. The house system encourages community spirit and healthy competition between houses.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Fettes College is a registered Scottish charity (No SC051259). It has a Board of Governors and is supported by the Fettes Foundation. The school has been operating since 1870 and has an active Old Fettesian Association for alumni.
Governance and ownership
Merchiston Castle School operates as a registered charity (SC016580). It is governed by a board and is a member of HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference), ISC, SCIS, BSA, and ISBA.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Prep School follows a broad curriculum preparing students for the Senior School. In the Senior School, a distinctive Middle School Diploma runs from ages 13 to 15, providing a broad and balanced programme. Students then take GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. In the Sixth Form, students choose between A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme. The school has received Excellent ratings from Education Scotland for both Curriculum and Raising Attainment and Achievement.
Curriculum details
The school follows the English curriculum. Students take GCSEs in the Middle Years (ages 13-16) and A Levels in the Sixth Form (ages 16-18). Saturday electives provide additional learning opportunities beyond the main timetable, allowing students to explore subjects and interests in greater depth.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
The school describes itself as intentionally small, ensuring every pupil is known, supported, and challenged individually. Specific class sizes were not published.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
The school reports a 100% A Level pass rate. Specific grade breakdowns and GCSE results are published annually but were not detailed on the website at the time of review.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The school provides career guidance as part of its provision. Fees cover careers guidance services to help students plan their post-school pathways.
Higher education progression
Graduates go on to top universities in the UK and internationally, including Ivy League schools in the United States. The school provides careers counselling as part of its provision, included in the fees.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Pastoral care is delivered through the house system, with housemasters and housemistresses responsible for each student's wellbeing. The boarding houses provide a family-like environment where students receive personal attention and support.
Social & emotional learning
The school's intentionally small size means every pupil is known and supported individually. Pastoral care is central to the school's approach, with staff building close relationships with students.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
A dedicated support for learning department works with students who have identified learning needs. The school can accommodate some special educational requirements within its mainstream provision.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
EAL support is available for international students who need help with English language development. Individual lessons are offered at GBP 12 per session. The school has experience supporting students from various language backgrounds.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school has a medical centre on campus with professional medical staff. Pastoral support is integrated into the house system, with boarding staff trained to support student wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The 100-acre campus in Edinburgh features a mix of historic and modern buildings set among woodland and green spaces. The school has a medical centre on site. Boarding houses, academic buildings, and recreational facilities are all within the campus grounds. The setting provides views of the Pentland Hills.
Facilities overview
The 100-acre campus includes historic buildings set in parkland in south-west Edinburgh. The grounds provide ample space for sport, recreation, and outdoor activities. The school's facilities are also available for hire. Academic buildings, boarding houses, and sports facilities are all within the campus.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school has extensive sports facilities on its 100-acre campus, supporting a wide range of sporting activities. The outdoor grounds include playing fields and areas for athletics. Indoor sports facilities complement the outdoor provision.
Sports facilities
Merchiston has outstanding sports facilities supporting its No. 1 UK ranking in both tennis and golf. The Tennis Academy and Golf Academy are flagship programmes with performance and development squads. The 100-acre grounds provide extensive playing fields for team sports.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Facilities support a broad co-curricular programme including music (with piping and drumming rooms), art studios, and outdoor pursuits areas. The campus's woodland and open spaces are used for outdoor education activities.
Extra curricular facilities
Saturday electives expand learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Sports academies in tennis and golf provide specialist coaching. Co-curricular activities cover a range of interests for boys of all ages.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Fettes College was founded in 1870 and has been a significant part of Edinburgh's educational landscape for over 150 years. The school was established using the legacy of Sir William Fettes, a former Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The campus and main building were designed by architect David Bryce in a French Gothic style.
History
Merchiston Castle School was founded in 1833 by Charles Chalmers, making it one of Scotland's oldest independent schools. It has been providing boys' education for over 190 years. The school remains the only boys' independent boarding school in Scotland.
Community
Community
The Old Fettesian Association maintains a strong alumni network. The Fettes Foundation supports the school through fundraising and development. The school community includes day pupils from Edinburgh and boarders from across the UK and internationally.
Community
The school has a global, outward-looking dimension, welcoming boys from across the UK and internationally. The intentionally small size creates a close-knit community where students are known individually by staff. The campus's 100-acre parkland setting provides a distinctive environment for school life.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Super-curricular activities extend learning beyond the classroom, challenging students to explore academic interests in greater depth. The school encourages intellectual curiosity through enrichment talks and activities.
Academic & intellectual
Saturday electives allow students to explore academic interests beyond the standard curriculum. The school encourages intellectual curiosity and independent thinking.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Music is a strong feature, with the school offering piping and drumming alongside more traditional instruments. Art programmes allow students to develop creative skills. Drama and performance opportunities are part of the co-curricular calendar.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
The school holds UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award, reflecting its commitment to educating students about rights, responsibility, and community service.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sport is a central part of school life, with an extensive programme covering a wide range of disciplines. Outdoor pursuits take advantage of the 100-acre campus and Edinburgh's proximity to the Scottish countryside. Physical wellbeing is promoted through regular sport and exercise.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sport is a defining feature of Merchiston, with the school ranked No. 1 in the UK for both tennis and golf. The Tennis Academy and Golf Academy offer performance and development squads. The 100 acres of parkland provide extensive space for outdoor activity and physical development.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language of instruction across all sections of the school. The IB Diploma requires students to study languages as part of its subject groups. Specific taught languages were not detailed on the homepage.
Language provision
English is the language of instruction. English as an Additional Language support is available for international students at GBP 12 per lesson. The school has a global outlook and welcomes students from around the world.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
No. 1 UK Tennis Academy — Ranked first by the Independent Schools Golf Association (ISGA) in 2019/20. No. 1 UK Golf School — Top-ranked school for golf nationally.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Education Scotland Excellent — Rated Excellent for Curriculum and Excellent for Raising Attainment and Achievement by Education Scotland. IB World School — Authorised to deliver the IB Diploma Programme. Registered Scottish Charity (SC051259) — Operates as a charitable organisation with all fees reinvested into the school.
Accreditations
HMC — Member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, a leading association of independent school heads. ISC — Member of the Independent Schools Council. SCIS — Member of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools. BSA — Member of the Boarding Schools' Association. ISBA — Member of the Independent Schools' Bursars Association. UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award — Recognition for embedding children's rights across the school community.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Prospective families can attend an Open Day or arrange an individual visit to tour the campus and meet staff. 2. 3. Scholarships and bursaries are available for qualifying students, with specific programmes for different entry points. 4. Special support is available for Forces Families. 5. International admissions events are held for families based overseas, and online interviews can be arranged. 6. Entry points include Prep School (age 7), Senior School (age 13), and Sixth Form (age 16).
Admissions
1. 2. Entry points include the Junior School (age 7/11), Middle Years (age 13), and Sixth Form (age 16). A 5% surcharge applies for Sixth Form direct entry. 3. The school assesses candidates based on academic ability and potential. 4. Scholarships and financial assistance programmes are available for qualifying families. 5. International admissions are welcomed, with EAL support available for non-native English speakers.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries are available for students entering at various stages. The school provides support for Forces Families. Details of specific scholarship categories and values are available from the admissions team.
Scholarships
Scholarships and financial assistance are available. A 10% discount is offered for serving military families. Sibling discounts apply: 5% for the second child, 20% for the third, and 40% for the fourth child.
