Founded in 1870 Fettes occupies a splendid estate of 85 acres one and a half miles from the centre of the city. Recent major upgrading & refurbishment of Boys' Boarding Houses. The Junior House is within the College grounds and takes pupils at all levels from age of 10-13. The College has a Christian approach but is non-denominational. A distinguished and well-run school with a friendly atmosphere, in which great attention is given to individual needs. Its declared aim is to provide a balanced and challenging education. Pupils are encouraged to aim at and achieve the very highest standard of which they are capable. Staff:pupil ratio 1:8. Academic standards are high and results are excellent. Around ten pupils are accepted for entrance to Oxford and Cambridge each year (15 in 1997). Over 95% of leavers go on to Higher Education each year. Very strong indeed in music, art and drama. Excellent range of sports and games which includes, apart from the main team games, tennis, squash, fives, fencing, canoeing and others; equally good range of extra-curricular activities, including cross country skiing, mountaineering, pipeband, chess club, Political and European Societies and many others. The CCF (founded 1908) is a large and particularly active contingent. Much emphasis on specialist skills and adventure training. The College has a big commitment to community service and a splendid record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Copious use is made of Edinburgh's cultural amenities. Special Careers Library and separate interviewing room. A quarter-million pounds spent on new Computing and Technology Centre; this allows the pupils access to the most up-to-date computer networks and increases options of technology projects for GCSE and 'A' level. In the last three years an all-weather pitch and a million pound extension to the Junior House have been completed.
Alumni - The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, was at Fettes 1966-1971. He follows in a distinguished line of former pupils who have entered politics - Iain MacLeod, Selwyn Lloyd and Sir John Simon. Lord Woolf is Master of The Rolls. Others include General Sir John Learmont, Vice Admiral Sir Robert Walmsley, General John de Chastelain and Tilda Swinton, the actress.
