For students who aspire to achieve great things in life, Fettes College is the perfect springboard. At this prestigious boarding school, you can push yourself to excel in every area because Fettes is an all-round provider of the highest calibre.
Just five minutes from the heart of the historic and beautiful university city of Edinburgh, this private school boasts a dreamlike campus — quite simply one of the most beautiful we have ever visited. In fact, some travel guides even recommend it as a sightseeing stop off! The atmosphere here is uniquely motivating, and according to the film legend, even the fictional James Bond once sat in these very classrooms.
For years, Fettes has held the title of Scotland’s most academic school, offering not only A Levels but also the International Baccalaureate, in which its graduates regularly achieve outstanding results. Exceptionally gifted students benefit from an elite, tailor-made programme supporting young musicians, athletes, and artists alike. In our view, Fettes ranks among the absolute best when it comes to offering a truly well-rounded education. Tony Blair, for years the Prime Minister of the UK, attended Fettes as a child.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Age range: 7-18
Number of students: 770
Boarders: 80%
International students: 15%
Boarding fees per term: £ 18,000
The most important sports on offer besides the traditional team sports: sailing, polo, golf, yoga, tennis, rugby, swimming, riding
Nearest airport: Edinburgh (30 minutes)
https://www.fettes.com/
Key Strengths at a Glance
Scotland’s academically strongest boarding school
IB diploma
modern music department
true all-round boarding school
Fettes College – Photo Highlights
Fettes College in Detail
Academic Excellence
Fettes College is one of the UK’s top boarding schools, renowned for its exceptional results. In 2021, students achieved an impressive average IB score of 39.4 out of 45 — well above the global average of 33. Whether in languages (Greek, Latin, Spanish, French), sciences, or economics, this first-class school delivers just as much as it demands of its pupils. What also stood out to us was its modern approach to teaching. Those who need regular learning support also receive it here. Fettes students regularly secure places at ‘Oxbridge’ and other leading universities in the UK and around the world.
Sport
On this picturesque campus, sport is simply part of the culture: students sail, play golf, and even polo, with great enthusiasm. Training is available in around 20 disciplines. The superb facilities include cricket pitches, Astroturf tennis courts, a marked 400-metre running track, long jump pits, and a shot-put area. The school’s sports complex also houses a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, a sports hall with indoor cricket nets, two netball courts, and a dance studio. Pupils can really throw themselves into physical activity here, whether they are passionate amateurs or future Olympians — there are coaches to suit every level.
Music
Alongside a classical yet modern education, this Scottish boarding school places great value on developing musicality from an early age. At Fettes College, students sing, rock, and play in orchestras. Talented individuals receive special support — perhaps your child could even land the lead role in the annual musical! From piano and cello to violin and even the ever-popular bagpipes, almost any instrument can be played here. Regular piano and instrumental competitions offer students the chance to showcase their skills. And who knows — Fettes may be the launchpad for a musical career, just as it was for composer Michael Tippett.
Art
Of course, art at Fettes is taught with the same passion and excellent resources. The light-flooded art department is truly inspiring, purpose-built to include double-height studios, a specialist library, a ceramics room, and gallery spaces. Here, creativity flows freely. Each year, particularly gifted students can take part in the school’s own art exhibition and present their remarkable work. Those who prefer working behind the scenes can write scripts, direct, produce, design sets, or create costumes in the theatre department.
Our Visit
We were genuinely astonished when we stood before Fettes College. Honestly, we can say this is one of the most beautiful boarding schools in Britain — and situated right in the heart of the stunning city of Edinburgh. Simply breathtaking! Although the vast campus (it takes no less than 15 minutes to drive around it) and the magnificent buildings with their luxurious facilities might seem intimidating from the outside, the atmosphere inside is exceptionally warm and down-to-earth. Equally delightful was our conversation with the charming Head, Helen Harrison.
Photos From Our Visit
What our clients say about us
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Our Conclusion
Fettes College is a demanding yet versatile boarding school.
Of course, it is far from the only school in Britain to deliver excellent exam results. We strongly encourage you to seek advice tailored to your specific wishes and expectations. Please feel free to contact us — with our years of close contact with schools, we understand their unique qualities and can give you an authentic assessment. We are confident that together we will find the right school for your child.
We are also happy to advise you on other boarding schools in England. You can find an overview on our Boarding Schools in England page.
Fettes College Fees
Fees at Fettes College are £18,000 per term, or £54.000 per academic year.
What You Can Expect from Us:
- Authentic, first-hand insights
- Excellent connections with the Admissions Office
- Many years of placement experience
- Assistance with visa queries
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
