We speak to Helen Harrison, the Head of Fettes College, to find out more about the school’s history and how they prepare children for the next stage in their school career.

How long have you been at the school"
I joined Fettes as a Geography teacher after four years teaching at Clifton College in Bristol. At Fettes I have been lucky enough to have had many roles including helping to run one of our boys? boarding houses when my husband was the Housemaster. Before becoming Head in 2018, I was Deputy Head for 12 years. You quickly feel a part of the Fettes family and I could not be prouder of our community.
Can you tell us a little bit about the history of the school"
Fettes College is named after Sir William Fettes, twice Lord Provost of Edinburgh, businessman and philanthropist. Having lost his only son and heir in 1815, he decided to devote his wealth to ?the maintenance, education and outfit of young people?. The size of the bequest enabled the architect David Bryce to pursue a grandiose design for Fettes College. Bryce created what architectural experts agree is undeniably one of Scotland?s greatest buildings.
Fettes College first opened in 1870 educating 53 boys both fee-paying and foundationers (bursary recipients). Under the formidable first Headmaster, Dr Potts, the school quickly gained a reputation for academic and sporting excellence, a reputation that has persisted and grown richer over time.
We have just celebrated the 150th anniversary of Fettes...