The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Clubs Lifestyle and Wellbeing, Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Fettes College is a co-educational boarding and day school set on a 100-acre campus in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1870, the school caters to students from age 5 through to 18, with a Pre-Prep (launching September 2025), Prep School, and Senior School. Students can choose between A Levels and the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form. Fettes has received Excellent ratings from Education Scotland for both Curriculum and Raising Attainment. The school is known for its strong sports programme, music (including piping and drumming), arts, and outdoor pursuits. A distinctive Middle School Diploma programme runs from ages 13 to 15. The campus features woodland areas and views of the Pentland Hills. Fettes is a registered Scottish charity and has an active Old Fettesian Association.
Fettes College has 751 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.
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.
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.
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.
Fees
Annual tuition at Fettes College ranges from GBP 15,000 to GBP 54,000 for 2026/27.
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.
Academics
Fettes College teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP), British Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.
Curriculum
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.
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.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.
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.
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).
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.
FAQs
What age range does Fettes College accept?
Fettes accepts students from age 5 (Pre-Prep, launching September 2025) through the Prep School (ages 7-13) and Senior School (ages 13-18).
What qualifications are offered in the Sixth Form?
Students choose between A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme. Both pathways are available in the Sixth Form for students aged 16 to 18.
How much are the fees?
Termly fees for 2025-26 range from GBP 5,000 (Pre-Prep) to GBP 18,000 (Senior School boarding). Senior School day fees are GBP 15,150 per term. All fees include VAT.
Is boarding available?
Yes, boarding is available from age 7 in the Prep School. Senior School boarders live in dedicated houses on the 100-acre campus with full pastoral support.
What is the Middle School Diploma?
The Middle School Diploma is a distinctive programme for students aged 13 to 15, providing a broad curriculum before students specialise for GCSEs and the Sixth Form.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, scholarships and bursaries are available for qualifying students at various entry points. Special provision exists for Forces Families.
What sports are offered?
Fettes has an extensive sports programme taking advantage of its 100-acre campus. Sport is a central part of school life with a wide range of disciplines available.
What music opportunities are there?
Music is strong at Fettes, with options including traditional instruments, piping, and drumming. Regular performance opportunities are available for students.
How do international students apply?
International families can attend admissions events, arrange online interviews, or contact admissions@fettes.com. An administrative fee of GBP 862 applies for students requiring UKVI visas.
What deposit is required for international students?
International entrants pay an additional deposit equal to the first term's fees alongside the standard deposit to secure their place.
