doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
F

Fettes College

United Kingdom, Edinburgh

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £15,000 - 54,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 751
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1870
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP), British Curriculum
Typical class size 14
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education
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, Carrington Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1QX, United Kingdom

The Essentials

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.
Diving Deeper

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.

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.

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.
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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.
Reputation

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.
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare Fettes College with
vs Merchiston Castle School
Search for more schools
Search schools in United Kingdom View all schools in Edinburgh View all schools in United kingdom IB curriculum schools in United Kingdom Open days & tours in Edinburgh What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools