Founded in 1870 under the will of Sir William Fettes, twice Lord Provost of Edinburgh, it occupies a splendid estate of 90 acres just 20 minutes walk from the centre of the city. The main building is Victorian Gothic, and over the past 60 years there have been extensive additions, including a science and computing centre, an all-weather games pitch and a sports centre. The prep school is in the college grounds. The college has a Christian ethos but is inter-denominational. It first accepted girls in 1970 and has been fully co-educational since 1981. The school prides itself on nurturing the talents of pupil in its care, no matter what those talents may be. Each pupil is encouraged and supported in a warm, family community to achieve in whichever subjects or extra-curricular activities they are passionate about. Applicants are welcome from all backgrounds. It has a high academic reputation and results are very good. The International Baccalaureate is also offered alongside A-levels. It is very strong in music, art and drama. There is an excellent range of sports and games (in which very high standards are achieved) and of extra-curricular activities. There is a full programme of trips and experiences in the magestic Scottish outdoors - from hill walking to canoeing, camping to white-water rafting. There is a large and active CCF contingent and much emphasis on specialist skills and adventure training. The college has a big commitment to community service and a strong record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Copious use is made of Edinburgh's extensive cultural amenities.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 655 pupils, 226 day (120 boys, 106 girls), 429 boarding (246 boys, 183 girls). Junior department 7-13, 157 pupils (84 boys, 73 girls). Senior department, 13-18, 498 pupils (282 boys, 216 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7-13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). Special skills taken into account; no religious requirements. Look for bright, motivated and curious pupils with imagination, energy, willingness to take risks, concern for others and a committment to academic and personal growth.
Scholarships, including general, sport, music, art, piping, all-rounder (awarded at 11, 13 and 16); value 10% of fees but can be combined with a means-tested bursary up to 95% of fees. Special bursaries or fee reductions for children of HM Forces and descendents of Old Fettesians. Amount for scholarships and bursaries is fixed and distributed each year according to greatest need; up to 25% of pupils receive some form of assistance.
Headmaster: Michael Spens, in post from 1998. Educated at Marlborough and Cambridge University (geology). Previously Headmaster at Caldicott School and Senior Housemaster at Radley. Teaching staff: 102 full time.
GCSE: 99 pupils in main GCSE year, 85% passing in 8+ subjects, 15% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels/IB: 92 in upper sixth. Of those taking the IB, 95% gained the Diploma; the average scored 35 IB points (55% gained more 36). Of those taking AS/A levels, 21% passed in 4+ subjects, 79% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 356.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (25% after a gap year), up to 16% to Oxbridge. Popular stubjects include history, business management, geography, science, medicine, engineering, modern languages, politics, law, philosophy.
GCSE, A-levels and IB Diploma. Approx 40% take the IB Diploma, 60% take AS/A-levels. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Extra tuition offered in all subjects. Also EFL and learning support. Languages: French (taught from age 7), German, Spanish, Greek, Mandarin all offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular visits to France, Germany, Spain. European Society arranges lectures from international lawyers, civil servants, academics, MEPs. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. All pupils use their own laptop, with wireless connection to school network.
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. School has strong musical tradition. Musical groups including various orchestras and ensembles, swing band, chapel choir, concert choir. Drama: GCSE and A-level drama may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and all in house/other productions. Recent productions of Threepenny opera, 12 Angry Men. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 12+ A-level. Regular house art competitions; gallery display of current work.
Sport: Rugby, cricket, hockey compulsory for boys; lacrosse, hockey, netball for girls. Optional: athletics, tennis, squash, fives, swimming, badminton, fencing, netball, basketball, volleyball. Regular representation in Scottish junior lacrosse teams; players in Scottish schools rugby, cricket and fencing teams. Scottish schools rugby cup, 2009. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 2 years at age 14; CCF and community service optional for sixth form. Wide range of extra-curricular activities and clubs including political society, science club, history society, debating, community service and modern languages supper club.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, head of each house and house prefects. Religion: Daily inter-denominational chapel services. Social: Joint careers talks and society meetings with other local schools. Many organised trips and expeditions eg rugby tour to South America, IB charity expedition to India, shooting at Bisley, annual CCF camp. Meals self-service. Alcohol allowed on specified occasions for sixth formers.
Strong emphasis on discipline and good manners. Pupils failing to produce homework may get detention or extra work. Anyone involved in drugs would be expelled.
Single-sex houses (2 prep, 7 senior) plus all upper sixth in state-of-the-art building with single ensuite study bedrooms. Resident qualified medical staff. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food to a limited extent. 4 Sunday exeats or 2 weekends each term. Visits to the local town allowed at specified times.
Old Fettesian Association run by the Co-ordinator, c/o the college.
Tony Blair (former Prime Minister); Tilda Swinton (Oscar-winning actress); Sir Bill Gammell (rugby player); David Ogilvy (advertising pioneer).
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