Fettes College and Fettes Prep stand as Edinburgh’s icons of traditional and excellence, where heritage meets opportunity on every acre of their historic campus.
Founded in 1870, located in Northern Edinburgh on a campus spanning 100 acres of woodland, Fettes College and Prep offers a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities. Often referred to as the inspiration for Hogwarts, the main building is a dramatic example of Gothic Revival style, complete with spires, towers and gargoyles. The school is set amongst the affluent communities of Inverleith and Stockbridge, 1.5 miles up the cobbled streets to the city centre, or north and down to the shores of the Firth. A deceptively urban school, with all the advantages of Edinburgh City, but with easy access to adventures beyond. A huge thank you to Charlie Minogue and Helen Harrison for their time.
General
As of September 2025, the Prep school have opened their doors to 5yr olds, in Pre-Prep. Co-educational, the Prep School (5-13yrs) and College (13-18yrs) work in tandem and share facilities such as dining hall, sports pitches and theatre, but have their own separate identities. The roll call is about 160 in the Prep and 550 in the College. Fees depend on age, but other than individual music lessons and trips abroad, are all inclusive. Entrance into Prep school is an interview and assessment. 13+ take either Fettes exam or common entrance. Highly selective for entrance into 6th form when there is another decent intake.
All change at the top?
Helen Harrison is leaving Fettes College after 7 years of leading the school through Covid and the VAT changes, and a total of 30 years as a teacher. Her husband Rob was a House Master and revered English teacher, so their presence will be missed. She and Charlie Minogue, Head of Fettes Prep, have overseen a leadership team that balances academic rigour, pastoral care and co-curriculum development. Next up is Richard Girvan, and experienced educational leader, who is moving from Stephen Perse Foundation in Cambridge.
Academics
Fettes offers GCSE’s, A levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) giving pupils flexibility in their educational pathway. The school is known for its strong academic results, especially in IB. The majority of university destinations are Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities, with International Institutions becoming increasingly popular.
Sports, creative arts and extra curricular
Pupils participate in over 30 different sports and activities during the year. Top of the tree in hockey across both girls and boys, lacrosse and netball. Having offered girls cricket earlier than other schools, the senior school have reaped the rewards in recent years. Away from sport, both the College and Prep school’s have large and vibrant offerings in music, art and drama, along with all sorts of clubs. The senior school offers CCF and Duke of Edinburgh, whilst the Prep have year group challenges – adventure camping trips to immerse you in the joys (midges?) of Scotland!
Boarding and Day
Fettes Prep and College provide ‘full’ boarding for pupils from 7yrs+. Whilst there is provision for the odd night here and there – after a Saturday night social for example – there is no weekly or flexi boarding provided. 25% of the Prep School board, and 75% of the senior school.
Day – Days are long at Fettes, there is no doubt. However this is due to the inclusion of all activities, clubs and sports within the fees, so you might as well get your monies worth! Only the Pre-Prep children pay for wrap-around care after school. Saturday morning lessons are also a thing, with sports matches in the afternoon, so do not expect to have a life of your own as a parent. When it comes to the senior school, each day pupil belongs to one of the boarding houses. They have their own desk, and sometimes bed in senior years, so they are fully immersed in the boarding ethos, even if they do not stay the night. They are all expected to arrive and register in their houses for roll-call, before they day begins.
Boarding – A ‘full boarding’ ethos means there is no weekly, or 3 nights a week option. Other than a Rec leave either side of half term, the boarders are expected to be in house at all other times. There are 2 boarding houses in the Prep school, one girls and one boys. A full weekend of activities or trips are planned, and often relayed to the envious day pupils in assembly the following week. The senior school has 4 boys, 4 girls and one mixed U6th house. The majority are suitably ‘historic’ in interior layout – old Fettesians may still recognise areas – but with some modernised facilities! Boarding is central to the identity of the school, with the boarding houses providing 24/7 care, pastoral support and a strong sense of community.
If you would like to know more about Fettes Prep School or Fettes College, or arrange an accompanied visit, please do get in touch with us.