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Individual visit and taster days/overnights available. Early registration recommended. Examinations plus interviews at all age groups. Scholarships available at different entry points – 12+, 13+, 16+.
Head's Up
“Happy children learn. They need to have the freedom to learn about themselves, to develop confidence in their abilities and to understand how to work alongside others. We are conscious of the challenges that young people face and do our utmost to ensure a stable, caring community. We want our pupils to feel valued as individuals and fully supported in achieving their best.
We hope to ensure that our students leave Fettes as kind, interesting, independent minded individuals who are willing to take on responsibility and motivated to contribute to society. We aim for them to have the strongest possible foundations for their future.”
Helen Harrison
The inside track from a current parent
The immediate feeling of a warm community spirit was why we chose Fettes for our son. We were overwhelmed with the facilities and what was on offer for each student.
The campus is incredibly; green, safe and secure and everything on site was a big plus for us. We really feel like each individual is praised for whatever talents they have and the teachers all go above and beyond to support our son to excel.
We loved that our son had the opportunity to choose between two different curricula in sixth form. Having the flexibility whether to choose IB or A level really sets this school apart, as it plays to individual strengths and this really sealed the deal for us when choosing Fettes.
We loved the international feel of the school. With over 40 countries represented the school is proudly Scottish but with a strong global view.
As parents we love...
- The full boarding ethos.
- The Spens Building. The classrooms and large, light and spacious with top of the range facilities. As an Art graduate myself, I can honestly say I have never (throughout my degree) seen art facilities quite like this (ceramics room, dark room, dedicated art library, printing press, Artist in Residence, art gallery, 6th form private art pods).
- The sixth form offering is special and unique. The offering of two different cirrucula (IB & A Level), the first class careers advice, and the co-ed end of year boarding house really prepares all these young students so well for university and beyond.
As pupils we love...
- My child is never bored. With over 40 difference activities on offer, there is something for everyone.
- My child always feels secure and there is always someone to turn to for advice or help. They feel very much supported throughout school and boarding life.
- The FOOD! My son raves about the food!!
What makes us different
Fettes College is uniquely situated in extensive grounds and woodland close to the heart of Edinburgh, and enjoys a reputation as one of the pre-eminent boarding schools in the UK for boys and girls aged 7-18.
Fettes College is a full boarding school with 75% of pupils boarding in the Senior School and over 20% boarding in the Prep School. The care and welfare of our students is fundamentally important to us as we know that only a happy, supported child will truly flourish. The family community at Fettes means that your child will forge strong bonds with their friends in house but also with their housemaster or housemistress, matron, tutor and teaching staff.
Fettes is renowned for the quality of education it provides which naturally includes superb academic results across GCSE, A Level and the IB (topping the Sunday Times league table again this year). We are by no means an academic hot-house but we do believe that with expert tuition and encouragement, all students can maximise their intellectual potential. A Fettes education means so much more than academic success. The 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.
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 absolutely believe in home-growing our sporting talent and developing abilities in a controlled, safe way by maximising fitness and minimising injury.
We offer over 20 sporting options, both competitively and recreationally, so that they 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 at Fettes College. Our stand-out production this year was our full school musical production of Cabaret. All pupils can get involved in all aspects of the production process, backstage, lighting, sound and costume. All pupils are encouraged to take part in a drama production, whether that be full school productions or house plays.
We have a very impressive, purpose-built, double height Art department, which has our own Gallery and Artist in Residence. All those taking art at A Level or IB have a permanent studio space throughout their final year. We take part in a number of out-reach initiatives such as ‘Place to be’, Fet-lor’ offering art classes to local students. The department also runs masterclasses for students and staff e.g. ceramics. Life drawing is one of the co-curricular activities on offer.
Only happy students learn and at Fettes Colleg and we focus on the mental and physical wellbeing of all our students through our rigorous, responsive and varied PSE programme whilst nurturing a strong, welcoming and inclusive community. When things go wrong, there is a supportive network to discuss, identify, intervene and assist without stigma. Built through on-going pupil consultation, our PSE programme is forward-thinking and embedded within school life. Utilising external contacts (guest speakers, charities and alumni) and harnessing the enthusiasm of students our core components include healthy relationships, pressures of the modern world, resourcefulness, decision-making, nutrition, risk assessment and emotional resilience.
The Hub is a pupil-focused drop-in room open daily and staffed by members of the listening team (PSE prefects, teaching and non-teaching staff). This reflective space provides a listening ear and some peace to breathe during the busy school week. PSE Weeks – These whole-school, termly events are a key tool in addressing current issues and recognising what our students need both physically and mentally. Recent themes have included Curiosity & Kindness; Love Your Mind; Courage & Challenges; Failure & Resilience and always include a nutritional and physical health element alongside clear messages integrated into daily life.