PROSPECTUS
A space and a location becomes a place when it takes on meaning and becomes special to you. Discover Fettes and make this your place. Helen Harrison, Head
Fettes College is set in extensive and secure 100-acre grounds and woodland, close to the heart of the international and cultural city of Edinburgh. Fettes enjoys a reputation as one of the UK’s pre-eminent co-educational boarding schools.
WELCOME It is a great honour to be Head of Fettes College, a collaborative community in which every member is working towards fully realising their potential whilst supporting those around them. We offer each of our students the opportunity to make the most of their talents and gain a wealth of new experiences in a happy, encouraging environment. We maximise their potential by affording them all the opportunities that a boarding education can offer whilst ensuring the highest levels of care. We want our students to leave us surrounded by friends, with the best grades or IB score possible, being fully prepared for the next exciting phase of their lives. Our students will leave the school knowing themselves, looking out for others, capable of thinking critically and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world. They will be bold and visionary yet compassionate; they will possess a global perspective and be ready to embrace the opportunities of the future. I am often asked what makes Fettes special and I can confidently say that when you visit us, you should be able to feel the distinctive ethos and atmosphere. I look forward to welcoming you to experience for yourselves what we offer.
H F HARRISON HEAD, FETTES COLLEGE
WHY FETTES? A Fettes education matters and is an unparalleled start to life. Fettes College has over 5,000 Old Fettesians who remain in touch with us for one very compelling reason: being educated at Fettes was one of the most important and beneficial aspects of their lives. Fettes is where their confidence was built, horizons broadened, talents nurtured and lifelong friendships made; where they achieved exam success, broke sporting records, were inspired by teachers and learnt the skills which would equip them for later life. Fettes is where they were enthused, praised and encouraged to work hard and achieve the very best they could, while being surrounded by like-minded peers and caring staff.
“A sense of independence, the ability to talk confidently to any age group and communicate your ideas effectively are life skills which set Old Fettesians apart.”
“The care and commitment shown to my children was outstanding. Because of this, they developed a real sense of self-worth.”
MAXIMISING ACADEMIC POTENTIAL Fettes is renowned for the quality of education we provide, which naturally includes superb academic results across GCSE, A Level and the IB. We believe that with expert tuition and encouragement, all students can maximise their intellectual potential. Our aim is to make every lesson informative and stimulating, to inspire a passion for learning and a deep, thorough understanding of each subject. Our curriculum includes the exciting academic innovation of Engineering, Enterprise and Technology. Fettes has a high calibre of academic staff who are experts in their field; they are supportive, dedicated to their students and committed to getting the very best from each individual. Every student has the opportunity for a one-to-one session with their Tutor each week. Developing self-motivation and determination to work hard is just as important as academic results – the ethos at Fettes encourages students to challenge themselves and work diligently to achieve their goals.
“The highest possible quality of education…that creates life-long learners”
“Fettes provided me with a range of new experiences that enriched my education, while engendering confidence and self-reliance.”
CARE AND SUPPORT The care and welfare of our students is fundamentally important to us as we know that only a happy, supported child will truly flourish. Each boarding house is a network, a collaborative group of students and House staff looking after each other; helping, encouraging and simply being there when needed. Each boarding house (four for boys, four for girls and a co-ed Upper Sixth house) is of central importance to the life of our students; lifelong friendships are made, trust is fostered and loyalty forged. One Old Fettesian described life in her House as “having 40 sisters to share everything with.” We aim to create a home from home. As well as the strong bonds made with fellow housemates, it is the commitment and devotion of Houseparents, Tutors and Matrons that leaves a lasting impression. These individuals are dedicated to caring, nurturing and encouraging each of our students. They make it their duty to understand their personality, their talents, their hopes and aspirations. Each member of the Fettes staff fulfils a unique role in the educational, moral and social care of your children to ensure their time with us is a positive, thriving, happy one.
“For any pupil and former pupil the sense of belonging is hard to describe. The friends and memories that you make at Fettes are with you for life.”
“I look back on the sense of community and togetherness that the House system fostered in each of us, and appreciate how lucky we were to grow up in such a fun and thriving environment.”
“Locations on campus enable students to mix out with House groups and Prefects facilitate cross year group activities including the very popular hot chocolate nights.”
UNCOVERING TALENTS 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, in the art school or on Fettes Radio. We are enormously proud of the level and variety of our students’ achievements – a true reflection of an all-round education. Fettes provides a wide range of opportunities, experiences and facilities in order to spark an interest and ignite a passion for a subject or activity never previously considered. We actively encourage all of our students to give everything a go – unless they try what is on offer, they may never know what they could have achieved, people they could have met or fun they could have had. Our students have access to over 60 different co-curricular activities and societies, and a full and varied programme over the weekend too. From cookery to robotics, debating to film-making, these co-curricular activities broaden skill-sets as well as introducing students to new friends throughout the College.
“My time at Fettes was not just an education, but a journey of discovery.”
“My teachers offer a unique support system that allows me to excel in the subjects I love and succeed in the ones I just like; their enthusiasm, passion and genuine interest is what makes them exceptional.”
A STRONG MORAL CODE Life at Fettes is securely founded on strong, inclusive community values. Individuality is praised, cultures are embraced and unique talents appreciated. We expect all of our students to be polite, wellmannered, smartly turned out and considerate of others at all times. The Chapel is the heart of the College, and the Chapel services form the core of the moral and spiritual guidance of our students. Our Chaplain, the Head, teachers, students and visiting speakers lead these services, covering a wide range of moral, educational and social topics. This is a time to reflect, be quiet and contemplate the day ahead. Members of all faiths and those with no faith are warmly welcomed. Students are encouraged to not lose sight of the needs of others at school, or those in our wider community, and they all take part in our service days. Students are fully involved in choosing the charities we support and are encouraged to develop a long-term relationship with these charities as well as a lifelong commitment to philanthropy.
“I was inspired by the respectful attitude towards faith – that it was fine to feel strong in one’s faith, whilst being able to respect the faiths of others.”
“I felt that at Fettes I was always striving to do my best and would get help to achieve it if needed. Everyone else was in the same position which made it much easier to try and do well.”
PROUDLY SCOTTISH, GLOBAL OUTLOOK At Fettes we often say how proud we are to be Scottish and we fully embrace all that Scotland has to offer us whilst retaining a confident, global outlook. Our location in Scotland’s wonderful capital city provides an exhilarating array of cultural facilities – world-class galleries, theatres, and sporting venues all within walking distance of our campus. Only a short drive away lies the magnificent Scottish countryside, giving students the freedom to sail, climb, walk, golf, ski and cycle. A large number of our students play the Pipes and Drums and join the Pipe Band. Kilts can be worn on formal occasions, Burns Night and St Andrew’s Day are celebrated and all our students learn to reel throughout their time at Fettes. We are however very much preparing our students for life in a global society: their aspirations should be worldwide, university options national and international, experiences rich and varied. With the core skills they learn, they are equipped to live, work and succeed anywhere in the world.
“Fettes can best be described as a large, worldwide family which continues to provide support and advice for life.”
“Fettes was about so much more than getting a good set of exam results, and for that I am grateful.”
THE ARTS Self-expression helps young adults to explore and understand the world around them, gain confidence and think creatively. We provide the opportunity, expertise and encouragement for all, from the enthusiastic amateurs to those considering a future career, to be brave, bold and creative. Our stunning light-filled Art School was purposebuilt to house double-height studios, a specialist library, ceramics room and permanent gallery space. It is a hub of creativity and exploration. Our experienced staff have a range of expertise, including an Artist-in-Residence who works alongside senior students to give an insight into professional art practice. Students regularly exhibit their creative work throughout the year, allowing other students and staff to enjoy and reflect on their artwork as it develops. At Fettes, we empower our students to develop their creativity in a highly personalised and individual way.
Our Drama Department is of an exceptional standard, often performing plays and musicals deemed too challenging for schools. Each year we stage full-length plays as well as a number of shorter pieces. For those who prefer working behind the scenes, they can write, direct or produce, design the set or costumes or engineer the sound and lights. Rarely do you walk around the corridors of Fettes without hearing music – the Chapel organ, instrumental practice or a snippet of a singing lesson. With the majority of our students taking instrumental lessons, there are three orchestras and four choirs, informal Coffee Concerts alongside invitational performances at places such as St Giles’ Cathedral. From classical to choral, rock to jazz, traditional music to musical theatre, we have the expertise and passion to guide our students in whatever direction their talents take them.
“There were so many opportunities for self-expression; creativity and independent thinking was always encouraged.”
SPORT Sport at Fettes has always been a central part of the school experience with every Fettesian having the chance to enjoy a wide range of sporting activities. Every year, a number achieve international or district recognition in their chosen disciplines but opportunities abound at every level. We encourage enthusiastic participation to ensure enjoyment of exercise is at the heart of a healthy lifestyle. Our state-of-the-art facilities are extensive and all on campus. Racket players can enjoy tennis, squash, fives and badminton; ball players have rugby, hockey, football, lacrosse, cricket, netball and basketball. Further sports including swimming, indoor rowing, dance, strength and conditioning, squash and Run Fit are also available Sport is an integral part of a healthy and active lifestyle with core skills such as teamwork, communication, agility and strategy being developed along the way. Whether they are in the 1st team or the 5th, we expect students to show just as much commitment, determination and drive. We are proud of the breadth of success that our students achieve across a number of disciplines.
“I captained the house rugby team to victory against all odds and it was a transformative experience.” “I took advantage of everything I could, but particularly sport – inter-school or inter-house – and there was always something to compete in.”
SIXTH FORM At Fettes College we pride ourselves on the confident, well-mannered young adults we produce, with the Sixth Form playing a vital role in their development. Students in the final two years of College are encouraged to develop their leadership skills, independence and maturity as well as successfully completing their chosen curriculum (A Level or the IB Diploma). There is a wealth of opportunity for students in the Sixth Form to take on new roles of responsibility and put into practice the leadership training they have received thus far. We have a dedicated Head of Sixth Form to enhance the Sixth Form experience for all our students. Although students are expected to plan their own study regimes, clean their own clothes, start to cook for themselves and socialise with the whole year group, this is all done under the watchful eye of the Houseparents as well as resident Tutors and Matrons. Any help and guidance that is required is readily available and, if valuable lessons of time management are not being learnt, students are supported and encouraged until they get the balance right.
“Fettes taught me so many other things which were not necessarily a subject in the curriculum. Friendship, camaraderie, understanding and teamwork.”
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES Means-tested bursaries are available to any applicant who passes the Entrance Examinations for Fettes Prep School or Fettes College and requires financial assistance. There is a finite amount of funding available each year and parents are advised to refer to the ‘Guide to Bursaries’ to assess eligibility. This guide can be found under Admissions on our website and can also be obtained from the Admissions Team. All bursaries are co-ordinated through the Bursar’s Office. Please contact bursarsoffice@fettes.com Bursaries are managed independently to scholarships and awards. For details of our scholarships and awards please refer to our ‘Admissions Guide’. This guide can be found under Admissions on our website and can be obtained from the Admissions Team. Please contact admissions@fettes.com
“A Fettes Bursary gave me the opportunity to become a Fettesian, so in this sense it meant everything to me and drove me on…”
LIFE AFTER FETTES Many skills and experiences useful for a future career will be nurtured at Fettes. Our students will leave the school knowing themselves, looking out for others, capable of thinking critically and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world. We believe that vital skills such as time management, interview techniques and presentation skills set Fettesians apart: a much needed point of differentiation when they start on their chosen career path. We provide sophisticated in-house advice on application for higher education, whether it be for a range of institutions across the world such as Yale and Columbia in the US or Cambridge, Oxford and many other universities in the UK. In the highly competitive world of university applications, we are able to provide impartial, tailored advice which will maximise the chances of students achieving their first university choice. We can also offer guidance on how to broaden their experience by taking a gap year between school and university. Our groundbreaking mentoring scheme, the Fettes Career Partnership Programme, utilises the worldwide connections of all Old Fettesians as well as current and past parents. This network is only available to Fettes students and will provide access to expert advice, long-term mentoring and networking opportunities across an enviable range of industries and careers. Fettes is after all a family for life.
“Fettes taught me to give everything a go, to do my very best and to think for myself, but most importantly, I feel – to think of the future.”
DOWNLOAD THE FETTES APP OR SCAN TO DOWNLOAD
www.fettes.com Thank you to all the students, parents and Old Fettesians who provided the quotations. Fettes College is a registered Scottish Charity, No SC051259