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Fettes College

Secular

Updated July 2026

5–18Ages
Co-edGender
Day & BoardingType
Non-profitOwnership

Accreditations

Languages

English flagEnglishGerman flagGerman

Fettes College is a co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 5 to 18, located on a 100-acre woodland campus in Edinburgh. It is recognised as one of the UK's pre-eminent schools, combining Scottish heritage with a global perspective and academic excellence.

Term structure

Three terms

Teaching approach

The school's ethos is built on a foundation of curiosity, creativity, and kindness, with a commitment to academic excellence and a holistic, all-round education. It promotes a full boarding ethos that benefits both boarding and day students, fostering a community where students are encouraged to aim high and give back. The school values diversity of thought and challenges discrimination, aiming to prepare students with a global perspective.

Programmes

The school offers a curriculum leading to GCSEs, with a dual pathway in the Sixth Form consisting of A Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The academic programme is supported by a Middle School Diploma for students aged 13-15. The school also operates a Prep School for ages 5-13, which includes a Pre-Prep for children from age 4+.

Outcomes

Fettes College consistently achieves strong academic results in GCSE, A Level, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Recent data indicates 82% of students secure a place at their first-choice university, with 57% achieving A*-A at A Level or 7/6 at IB. The school has been recognised by Education Scotland with 'Excellent' grades for 'Curriculum' and 'Raising attainment and achievement'.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school provides dedicated support for learning to assist students in their academic journey. This includes 1-2-1 support from tutors in the Senior School and comprehensive career guidance. Pastoral care is integrated into the boarding and day experience to support student wellbeing.

Frequently asked questions(7)
What curriculum does Fettes College offer?
Fettes College offers IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level and IB Diploma.
How much is tuition at Fettes College?
Annual tuition at Fettes College is £15.5K–£56.6K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
What ages does Fettes College teach?
Fettes College enrolls students aged 5 to 18.
Is Fettes College a day or boarding school?
Fettes College is a day and boarding school.
What accreditations does Fettes College hold?
Fettes College holds accreditations including IB.
Is Fettes College co-educational?
Fettes College is a co-ed school.
Where is Fettes College located?
Fettes College is an international school in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2026-27
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
Fettes Pre-Prep - 5-7 Years5–7£15.5K
Fettes Prep - Boarders (7-13 Years)7–13£38.7K
Fettes Prep - Day Pupils (7-13 Years)7–13£26.4K
Fettes College - Boarders (13-18 Years)13–18£56.6K
Fettes College - Day Pupils (13-18 Years)13–18£47.7K
Other fees(2)
Other fees
Application fee· Administrative fee for international students requiring a UKVI Visa (inclusive of VAT)£862
Deposit· Additional Deposit of equal value to the first term's fees for international students with parents residing outside the UK

Discounts

  • Sibling discount: 5% for second child, 35% for third child, 50% for fourth and subsequent children

Admissions

Fettes College welcomes applications for entry at various stages from age 5 to 18. The admissions process typically involves a registration form, a Cognitive Aptitude Test (CAT4) for most entry points, and an interview with the relevant Head or senior staff. For Sixth Form entry, applicants sit papers in three subjects plus an English paper. The school offers scholarships based on merit and means-tested bursaries, with specific deadlines and procedures for each.

Calendar

The school operates on a three-term system: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Terms include scheduled half-term breaks and recommended leave weekends for boarders. The academic year typically concludes in early July with Founder's Day.

Facilities

Sports fieldGymnasiumLibraryDining hallScience labsArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditoriumBoarding

About the campus

The school is situated on a 100-acre woodland campus in Edinburgh, featuring a mix of historic and modern facilities. Key amenities include a theatre, drama studio, the Culachy Music School, and the MacLeod Science Centre. Sports facilities comprise multiple astroturf pitches, squash and fives courts, a cricket pavilion, and the Westwoods Sports Centre. The campus also houses numerous boarding houses, a dining hall, and a medical centre.

Co-curriculars

The school provides an extensive co-curricular programme designed to foster talent and new experiences. Offerings include a wide range of sports, outdoor pursuits, and arts, such as music and piping and drumming. Students also participate in initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and a bespoke Middle School Diploma.

  • Helen Harrison
    Helen HarrisonHead
  • Anushka Chakravarty
    Anushka ChakravartyDeputy Head (Academic)
  • Carolyn Harrison
    Carolyn HarrisonDeputy Head (Pastoral)
  • Mark Appleson
    Mark ApplesonDeputy Head (School Life)
  • Charlie Minogue
    Charlie MinogueHeadmaster, Fettes Prep School
  • Alastair Armstrong
    Alastair ArmstrongDirector of Teaching and Learning
  • Debbie Atkins
    Debbie AtkinsDirector of External Relations