Record-breaking results day for Fettes College

Fettes College is celebrating as grades were published nationwide yesterday, with the school’s combined International Baccalaureate (IB) and A Level results breaking previous records.

While predominantly a day marked in the calendar of schools south of the border, the Edinburgh institution is unique in its academic pathway with students opting for either A Levels or IB, the internationally recognised education programme.

In total, 46% of all A Level grades were at A* or A and 80% of entries achieved A* to B grades. There were also 14 students who achieved a clean sweep of A* and A grades and a further six students who achieved 3A*s or more.

Fettes is the only school in Scotland to offer both IB and A Level pathways, and these latest results mark a record-breaking year for combined results: A*/7: 22%; A*-A/ 7-6: 63%; A*-B/ 7-5: 89%.

School leavers are now heading to university places across the UK, including Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, King’s College London, Imperial, LSE, St Andrews and UCL. A number have also secured places internationally, at institutions such as Georgetown University, McGill University, UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Toronto.

Anushka Chakravarty, Deputy Head (Academic), said: “We are incredibly proud of our A Level students and the brilliant results achieved today. They have demonstrated academic curiosity, determination and high aspirations to achieve fantastic outcomes and secure competitive university places.

“Behind the statistics are also some inspiring personal journeys and individual successes, not to mention the staff who have gone above and beyond, offering around-the-clock support sessions, as well as pastoral support in our boarding Houses. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

Richard Girvan, Head of Fettes College, said: “As I begin my time as Head of Fettes, these very strong results are a compelling reflection of the ambition and quality of the community I am privileged to join.

“Our leavers depart not only with impressive academic achievements, but also with the confidence, independence, breadth of experience and friendships developed through an education with a range of opportunities that is distinctive in Scotland and stands in comparison with the very best schools across the UK.

“As Old Fettesians, they will continue to draw on those experiences, relationships and opportunities long after they leave us. I congratulate them warmly and wish them every success for the future.”

56 A Level students at Fettes also completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 23% of EPQ projects awarded the A* grade, 80% achieving A*/A, building further on last year’s outcomes.

Edinburgh school wins national award for excellence

Fettes College has been named Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2025 (GCSE/A level) in the Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2025.

Fettes College, the only school in Scotland offering pupils the choice between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB), has received recognition for academic excellence for its GCSE and A Level curriculum and results.

The school is also recognised as the Top IB School in Scotland and a Top Ten IB School in the UK.

Schools are ranked based on the average points achieved in the International Baccalaureate examinations and the percentage of A*, A, and B grades across all A-Level entries in summer 2024.

Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said: “This achievement is largely down to the hard work of our students, who are always striving for the best and who dedicate the time to their education and individual growth.

“However, it wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of all of our teaching staff, who commit their days to bringing the best out of our students and providing them with a quality education that sets them up for life outside of school.

“The quality of education we deliver goes beyond achieving impressive academic results at GCSE, A Levels, and the IB. Our curriculum, including our bespoke Middle School Diploma, is designed to stretch and challenge students beyond the confines of the exam specification and encourages students to achieve excellent outcomes and to aim high.

“We want to empower our students to work independently and to think critically, encouraging innovation and creativity and setting them up for success in the Sixth Form and beyond. It’s fantastic to receive this recognition.”

82% of Fettes’ recent leavers secured places at their first-choice universities, both in the UK and internationally.

To find out more about Fettes College’s dual pathway, go to: www.fettes.com/senior-school/a-place-to-learn

To view The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2025, go to: 

https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table