Gordonstoun, Fettes or Loretto?

[NoConvob4Coffee]

Hello,
We do not live in the UK. Our son just turned sixteen and will be going off to boarding school in Autumn. We are having a hard time deciding between the three schools I mentioned.
He prefers Gordonstoun, because the impression he has gleaned is that it balances academics and outdoors (but not necessarily team sports). However, as we are not in a position to visit the UK at this time, I would love to hear opinions from other parents.

Wouldn't a London school be better as then transport to visit and for him to go home would be easier? How much are you all going to be going back and forth ?

Fettes probably has the easiest transport out the 3 but there's still limited flights from Edinburgh.

Thank you for your reply.
Probably once in the middle of the year. These are the options we have to choose between so I Woukd love opinions on these.
I am concerned about academics, pastoral care, bullying etc.

I have friends with children at Gordonstoun who absolutely love it and are really happy with the balance of academics and outdoors.

It's good to go and see them as they are very different.

I can tell you about Fettes. Fettes is usually named as the best school in Scotland and is in the top 150 in the world and 25 in the UK from the carfax school guide for international parents (as is Gordonstoun) and top academic Scottish school (Times). It does the English Alevels as well as the IB so pupils can chose. There's a good mix of international pupils, not dominated by any one in particular and although there are Edinburgh pupils the majority board so it doesn't empty at weekends. You're in a beautiful capital city but with large grounds so loads to do.

Gordonstoun is obviously more remote and in the countryside.

Loretto is more of a day school with boarding attached these days. It is by the sea.

www.schools-index.com

Thank you @Thoughtsonstuff
It’s between Gordonstoun and Fettes for me at this point. Would love to hear from parents with kids there. The school index was helpful to look at.

Did you choose in the end? We are in the same dilemma!

Hello
We went ahead with Fettes. Best of luck deciding!

Can I ask what made you decide?
Thank you. All the the best.

It was between Fettes and Gordonstoun for us . Everyone had lovely things to say about both. I think the deciding factor was Fettes’ proximity to the airport.
which way are you leaning?

I think that sounds like a good fit for you with the airport. I have been to Inverness and Kinloss and the transport isn't the greatest and very remote. I honestly have no idea it's a really difficult decision. I think my husband prefers Fettes. I like the sailing at Gordon and the area is really safe. I will post on here when we decide! 👍

If you like the sailing, Fettes won the youth section of the Scottish Islands Peak Race this year. They train a team every year (made up of boys and girls).

I had a dream about Glenalmond the other night.

A good dream? 😂

From my youthful recollection, Glenalmond boys were very handsome 😂

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdjnpvl201yo

1950 to 1980 irrelevant I’d say.