Edinburgh, United Kingdom Boarding · Coed Ages 7–18Fettes College
Edinburgh's flagship co-ed boarding+day school, founded 1870 in a Grade A-listed Scott Bryce building — A-Level + IB Diploma, ~800 pupils ages 7-18.
AI Fit Summary
Why this school may fit your child: Fettes College pairs a British / A-Level / IB academic track with a urban campus and a 1:8 student-teacher ratio. It's a strong consideration for students drawn to Oxford / Cambridge pathways.
- Strong fit for Oxford / Cambridge pathway
- 1:8 ratio supports individualized attention
- British · A-Level · IB curriculum aligns with university aspirations
- Mature pastoral and house structure
Academic overview
Fettes College was founded in 1870 with a bequest from Sir William Fettes, in a Grade A-listed building designed by David Bryce on a 100-acre Edinburgh campus. About 800 pupils across Prep and Senior schools, fully co-educational. The Senior School runs both A-Level and IB Diploma at sixth form — an unusual offer for a Scottish boarding school and one of the reasons international families pick Fettes over English boarding alternatives. Notable alumni include former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. Recent leavers' destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, St Andrews and leading US universities. Class size of 15 with a 1:8 student-teacher ratio enables tutorial-style instruction and mentor-led research projects.
Curriculum & subjects
Boarding life
Houses are organized around year-group cohorts with a dedicated houseparent and tutorial team. Weekend programming combines structured academic catch-up, trips into the surrounding region, and creative downtime.
University pathways
Placement score is BestPeopleDo's internal estimate of the school's recent university outcomes (0–100), based on publicly available data and advisor knowledge. Detailed per-cohort offer counts are confirmed during the advisor call.
Fees & scholarships
Estimate the all-in cost
Most families budget against tuition + 10–20% in living, travel and ancillary costs. Adjust the inputs to plan against scholarships, length of stay, and your home currency.
Location
Fettes College sits in Edinburgh, United Kingdom — an urban campus. Tap "Request virtual tour" above to have an advisor send walkthrough video links and schedule a live tour.
Admissions process
- 1Inquiry & profile reviewWe share your child's Student Fit Profile with the admissions team.
- 2Application & documentsSchool-specific form, transcripts, recommendations, English test if required.
- 3AssessmentOnline interview, sample lesson, or admissions test depending on the school.
- 4Offer & enrollmentOffer letter, contract, and visa support if needed.
Important dates
FAQ
Is Fettes College a good fit for international families?
Yes. Fettes College actively supports families relocating internationally with visa guidance, language transitions, and pastoral care designed for mobile households.
What does the typical application timeline look like?
Most families start 12–18 months before intended intake. Early application is strongly recommended for boarding.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are reviewed annually.
What's the average class size?
Approximately 15 students per class with a 1:8 student-teacher ratio.
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