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Choosing a school in Edinburgh: Highers, A Levels or IB
Fettes combines day and boarding education with A Levels or IB. George Watson’s and Edinburgh Academy are day schools following Scottish qualifications.
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For an older pupil, start with the qualification and whether boarding is needed.
Fettes College offers day and boarding places, with GCSEs followed by A Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Its Prep School begins at five and Senior School at thirteen. Senior boarding includes weekends; the school does not offer weekly boarding in the Senior School.
George Watson’s College, on Colinton Road, is a day school from preschool through S6. It follows Scottish National qualifications, Highers and Advanced Highers. It is a clearer continuation for a pupil already in the Scottish system.
The Edinburgh Academy also follows Scottish qualifications as a day school. It has two sites around Stockbridge. Compare the actual year-group campus, subject choices and support with Watson’s rather than treating both as one option.
Compare the complete year
Watson’s 2026–27 Senior fee is £20,351 annually, including VAT. The Academy lists £22,990 for Seconds to 7ths, also including VAT, with lunch extra at £5.99 per day. Use the correct class row for younger pupils.
Fettes publishes a 2026–27 fee page. Obtain the appropriate day or boarding schedule and included services directly; a boarding term cannot be compared with an annual day-school fee. Add registration, deposits, examinations and activities only where excluded.
Make visits answer a question
Ask which subjects the child can take, how prior courses transfer and whether the intended university route fits. Highers, A Levels and IB can all lead beyond Scotland; the subject combination matters more than an international label.
Test East Fettes Avenue, Colinton Road and the Academy’s actual site from your likely home. For boarding, ask about weekend activities, supervision, holidays and contact with home. Include a local state school in the shortlist when Scottish education and living at home meet the child’s needs.
The Edinburgh hub, United Kingdom guide and profiles provide official sources.
Friendly orientation, not formal admissions advice. Always confirm dates with the school.
Other school profiles
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Fettes College
Fettes College combines a central Edinburgh campus with a full-boarding Senior School. Families should understand the weekend commitment, selective entry process, substantial deposits and unusually detailed contract before accepting a place.
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George Watson’s College is a co-educational day school in Edinburgh from preschool to Senior 6. It follows the Scottish route through National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers. Families should check year-group availability and budget for extras alongside the published tuition.
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