Compare International Schools in Edinburgh, United kingdom

Fettes College sits on a 100-acre campus on Carrington Road in Edinburgh, one of the most prestigious school settings in Scotland. The campus features woodland, green spaces, and views towards the Pentland Hills. Edinburgh city centre is a short distance away. Edinburgh has excellent transport links including Edinburgh Airport (20 minutes away) and regular rail services to London and other UK cities.

The school is structured as Pre-Prep (ages 5-7, launching September 2025), Prep School (ages 7-13), and Senior School (ages 13-18). The Senior School includes a Middle School phase (ages 13-15) with its own diploma, followed by GCSE-level qualifications and either A Levels or the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form.

Fettes is an independent co-educational boarding and day school. Boarding is available from the Prep School (age 7). The school is a registered Scottish charity (No SC051259), meaning fees are reinvested into the school.

Boarding is available from age 7 in the Prep School. Senior School boarders live in dedicated boarding houses on the 100-acre campus. The boarding provision includes meals, pastoral care, and access to the school's extensive co-curricular programme. Weekend activities are part of the boarding experience.

Students are assigned to boarding houses which serve as the centre of pastoral and social life. The house system encourages community spirit and healthy competition between houses.

Fettes College is a registered Scottish charity (No SC051259). It has a Board of Governors and is supported by the Fettes Foundation. The school has been operating since 1870 and has an active Old Fettesian Association for alumni.

The Prep School follows a broad curriculum preparing students for the Senior School. In the Senior School, a distinctive Middle School Diploma runs from ages 13 to 15, providing a broad and balanced programme. Students then take GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. In the Sixth Form, students choose between A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme. The school has received Excellent ratings from Education Scotland for both Curriculum and Raising Attainment and Achievement.

The school provides career guidance as part of its provision. Fees cover careers guidance services to help students plan their post-school pathways.

Pastoral care is delivered through the house system, with housemasters and housemistresses responsible for each student's wellbeing. The boarding houses provide a family-like environment where students receive personal attention and support.

The school has a medical centre on campus with professional medical staff. Pastoral support is integrated into the house system, with boarding staff trained to support student wellbeing.

1. Prospective families can attend an Open Day or arrange an individual visit to tour the campus and meet staff.
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3. Scholarships and bursaries are available for qualifying students, with specific programmes for different entry points.
4. Special support is available for Forces Families.
5. International admissions events are held for families based overseas, and online interviews can be arranged.
6. Entry points include Prep School (age 7), Senior School (age 13), and Sixth Form (age 16).

Scholarships and bursaries are available for students entering at various stages. The school provides support for Forces Families. Details of specific scholarship categories and values are available from the admissions team.

Merchiston Castle School sits on 100 acres of parkland on Colinton Road in south-west Edinburgh. The campus is well connected to Edinburgh city centre, about 3 miles away. Edinburgh Airport is approximately 20 minutes by car. The city has direct rail links to London and other major UK cities, making it accessible for domestic and international families.

The school has four divisions: The Forest (ages 3-11, co-educational), Juniors (ages 11-13), Middle Years (ages 13-16 for GCSEs), and Sixth Form (ages 16-18 for A Levels). Only the Forest section is co-educational; the main school from age 7 is for boys only.

Merchiston is an independent boys' boarding and day school, the only one of its kind in Scotland. The school is intentionally small, prioritising individual attention. It operates as a charity (SC016580).

Support for learning is available through a dedicated department. English as an Additional Language support is offered at GBP 12 per lesson for international students who need it.

The school week includes Saturday electives, extending learning opportunities beyond the standard Monday-to-Friday timetable. The day includes lessons, sports, and co-curricular activities.

Full boarding is available from the Senior School, with flexi-boarding options (two consecutive nights) available in both Junior and Senior divisions. Occasional boarding at GBP 90 per night is available for day pupils who need it. Boarders receive 24-hour supervision, meals, and laundry services. The Day PLUS option (8am-9pm) provides an extended day without overnight boarding.

Meals and snacks are included in all fee categories. Boarders receive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks as part of their boarding provision.

Merchiston Castle School operates as a registered charity (SC016580). It is governed by a board and is a member of HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference), ISC, SCIS, BSA, and ISBA.

The school follows the English curriculum. Students take GCSEs in the Middle Years (ages 13-16) and A Levels in the Sixth Form (ages 16-18). Saturday electives provide additional learning opportunities beyond the main timetable, allowing students to explore subjects and interests in greater depth.

The school describes itself as intentionally small, ensuring every pupil is known, supported, and challenged individually. Specific class sizes were not published.

The school reports a 100% A Level pass rate. Specific grade breakdowns and GCSE results are published annually but were not detailed on the website at the time of review.

Graduates go on to top universities in the UK and internationally, including Ivy League schools in the United States. The school provides careers counselling as part of its provision, included in the fees.

The school's intentionally small size means every pupil is known and supported individually. Pastoral care is central to the school's approach, with staff building close relationships with students.

A dedicated support for learning department works with students who have identified learning needs. The school can accommodate some special educational requirements within its mainstream provision.

EAL support is available for international students who need help with English language development. Individual lessons are offered at GBP 12 per session. The school has experience supporting students from various language backgrounds.

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2. Entry points include the Junior School (age 7/11), Middle Years (age 13), and Sixth Form (age 16). A 5% surcharge applies for Sixth Form direct entry.
3. The school assesses candidates based on academic ability and potential.
4. Scholarships and financial assistance programmes are available for qualifying families.
5. International admissions are welcomed, with EAL support available for non-native English speakers.

Scholarships and financial assistance are available. A 10% discount is offered for serving military families. Sibling discounts apply: 5% for the second child, 20% for the third, and 40% for the fourth child.