Fettes College

Why Fettes?

Fettes College has over 5,000 Old Fettesians who remain in touch with us for one very compelling reason: being educated at Fettes was one of the most important and beneficial aspects of their lives. Fettes is where their confidence was built, horizons broadened, talents nurtured and life-long friendships made. Where they achieved exam success, broke sporting records, were inspired by teachers and learnt the skills which would equip them for later life. To this day, a Fettes education is an incredible start to life.

Our Ethos

Our mission at Fettes is to develop broadly educated, confident and thoughtful individuals who are prepared for life after Fettes and all the opportunities and challenges it will bring. We are a community which believes in mutual support and co-operation and it is this happy, purposeful environment that encourages boys and girls to flourish and develop fully the skills and interests that they possess.

Proudly Scottish

Fettes College is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. Edinburgh is a thriving city renowned as culturally vibrant with world-class galleries, theatres, music venues and sporting arenas, but only a short drive away lies the magnificent Scottish countryside, or the stunning Scottish coastline giving our students the freedom to sail, climb, walk, ski and cycle.

Exploring Fettes from Fettes College on Vimeo.

Further information

Learning at Fettes College

Fettes is renowned for the quality of education it provides which naturally includes superb academic results across GCSE, A Level and the IB. A Fettes education means so much more than academic success and skills and talents of each of our students are recognised and rewarded, whether that be in the classroom, on the sports field, in the concert hall, on the stage or in the gallery. We strongly believe that with expert tuition and encouragement, every student can realise their ambitions.

Life

Boarding Houses are a vital part of boarding life, a caring community of students living together. A wealth of house activities cements the strong bond between housemates, younger students learn from older students and older students take responsibility to care for others. We are a full-boarding school (meaning we do not offer flexi or weekly boarding) and each boarding house (2 in the Prep School and 9 in The College) is a caring community of students and staff designed to be a real home-from-home.

Sport

Sport is an integral part of a healthy and active lifestyle, developing key life skills such as teamwork and communication. We expect students to show commitment, determination and drive, whatever team they are in. We offer over 20 sporting options, both competitively and recreationally, so that students can find a sport they love. Specialist coaches, access to a wealth of on-site facilities and a busy calendar of sporting fixtures are key elements of our sporting provision.

The Arts

We allocate generous time to the arts because it encourages creativity and builds confidence helping our students to explore and understand the world around them, gain confidence and think creatively. Fettes offers a true all-round education and the provision of the arts is central to that philosophy. All students have the opportunities and support to develop confidence in their creative ability and to perform in front of others.

Co-Curricular

We encourage all of our students to try new activities, push themselves and embrace all of the opportunities Fettes has on offer. Whether choosing from 40 plus activities, supporting local charities or utilising the cultural highlights of Edinburgh, our self-motivated students emerge with new-found skills and experiences. The benefits of these opportunities are immense, fostering independence whilst creating life-long memories.

Admissions & Fees

Entry requirements, testing and open days 

After looking at their website, designed as an online prospectus,  interested families are encouraged to visit Fettes to take a pupil led tour and meet with the Head and Houseparents – visits can be arranged at a time convenient to the family.

Scholarships and bursaries

Fettes College firmly believes that every talented child should be able to receive a Fettes education and all the benefits and opportunities it presents. Fettes offers a wide range of scholarships and awards based on merit and there is considerable kudos attached to being a scholar or award-holder. Scholarships and other awards cover up to a maximum of 10% of the fees including: Academic, All-rounder, Art, Music, Piping and Sports.

Means-tested bursaries are available to anyone who requires support according to financial need and the total reduction available is 100% of the fees. There is a finite amount of funding available each year.