Fettes Prep - any experience?

[CEDP]

Has anyone had any experience of or heard anything about Fettes Prep in Edinburgh? Thanks!

Tony Blair went there! Gorgeous building - from the outside, never been in! Lots of overseas students tis boarding too. From what I hear growing up local there it is v good!

Fantastic place! I am a current parent and I cannot tell you what a difference it has made to my son and daughter. They are much more confident, happy and polite! Lovely teachers, happy kids I could gush about it all day. Comment about lots of overseas students not true - about 10% I would say.

That's really great to hear. I was in the sixth form at Fettes but that was yonks ago so I'm not up to date with the current situation. I hear great things about the main school but hadn't heard much about the Prep.....and we're thinking of sending our sons there in a year or so. We live overseas so it is all a bit complicated and quite a decision to make.... So, your positive feedback is very welcome!

Glad it helped. Huge decision I am sure. A couple of my son's friends are boarders from overseas and they both love boarding - obviously they miss home/mum and dad but they are so busy and loads of exciting things to do makes things much easier. Also loads of friends in the same boat help - they all seem to be thick as thieves! I think they do a thing called a taster day where children can stay there overnight and see what it is like. Good luck - I am sure your sons will be v happy there if they come!

Edinmum1 Can I ask you what School the children from Fetts usually attend before they start aged 7?

It's one of the schools we've looked at and been very impressed by, but not to sure if it's worth start DD in one school only to move her to another later.

And another couple of questions for Edinmum1 - how much would you estimate that extras like uniform, sports kit, outings etc. etc. end up costing (as percentage of total fees, not asking for too much detail!)? Also, do you know where the children end up going afterwards? Do most go to the Senior School or do they also help children get to other schools, i.e. focus on Common Entrance per se rather than just doing what is necessary for the Senior School?

Hi allnightlong & CEDP. The extras here seem to be a lot lower than other places - all meals included, you can pick them up at 4.00pm if you want but equally they can stay until 7 ish you need to with no extra cost for after schools club etc even if they stay for dinner which is brilliant for busy mums and dads! For uniform etc they have a shop www.fettesshop.com so you can have a wee look through there but they also have a thrift shop (good quality second hand uniforms)that loads of people buy from and brought our bills down considerably.Esp for fast growing youngsters! Loads of activities are free and covered in the fees and you are really clearly told if info is needed - costs depends on year group which is why I am vague!) Most kids go to the senior school because it is pretty incredible but they can help get kids elsewhere if required. They don't do CE but can help prepare for other school's entrance exams. To be honest only one or two a year opt to move!

I can ask the secretary for a bit more info if you want or there is a registrar who is lovely and friendly.

As for starting from 7, lots go to the local primary for the first 2 years before going to Fettes but others to other indep schools that take them from younger and then transfer. To be honest, I am baised but the sooner you get them in, the better as the senior school is getting really busy to get in to! Any more detail and I can ask around if that helps.

Spoke to hubby (the man with the calculator ha ha). He says that with extras, he reckons on about £250 max per term but ours do music lessons, skiing, horseriding etc which do have a little fee. Apparently a list is circulated of activities with costs attached so you can really clearly see what it will cost. But the great news is the Rome trip is always free as it is compusory - every 10 year old goes and has a blast lucky little things. Uniforms were about £300 total including some things from thrift. Hope this helps x

Edinmum thank you for all the info it's really helpful.
I agree the sooner the better if we were to choose Fettes (and were accepted) we'd rather they go a 7 when everyone in the class is new.

Interesting to know that many come from local primaries. We had considered having a look at the Montessori school then transfering her at the age of 7 to a prep school but wondered if she'd then be at a disadvantage compared to other applicants who has already been to pre-prep for 2/3 years.

allnightlong Hi, happy to help. I don't think there will be any disadvantage going to local primary before hand etc, and they will have an even bigger pool of pals. they are still little mites and will have plenty of time to grow and develop if they are starting at 7.

Edinmum thank you so much for all the information. BUT I am horrified that they don't do CE!! That is basically the reason that we are considering sending DS1 (and 2 in due course) away early; so that they can get prepared for and pass CE and then get into a decent senior school. We are meeting the Head in March so I will ask him. It's not that don't want them to go to Fettes senior school, I'd just like the option of other schools as well. Aargh!

CEDP - I think because Fettes College is so superb, the majority go up after the prep school. A boy recently did get help with CE for Eton as he had his name down since birth and family tradition etc but I think quite rare that people look elsewhere. Not locking to to Fettes or anything but people seem v happy with what is on offer so no need to move. Just chat to the Head about it if you are seeing him, he is a really super man, his heart really is with the best interest of the kids.

Hi CEDP - how did the tour round Fettes go? Any more questions I can help with?

Hi Edinmum - thanks for remembering! Yes, did the tour etc in early March and all (good) expectations were fulfilled. Great facilities, nice people, sensible approach etc., so all very positive. The main concern was (is) that they don't do CE, so we would be limiting our options for senior school somewhat. I know the current headmaster (senior school) and think he is excellent, but will he still be there in 4-5 years time, when DS1 would start third form....? The other contender is Ardvreck, as it is full-boarding (which e.g. Bellhaven Hill is not), which I think is a great school, but not sure how used they are to children living abroad, other languages etc.. Another plus point for Fettes is the fact that they can ensure that DS1 gets German lessons after hours (he is bilingual) etc. - we even met a half-Spanish boy in the same situation. So.......on balance, we have come full circle and when I get around to it I will sign up to Fettes Prep and secure a place for DS1 in 2013!

Hi there just moving to Edinburgh and thinking of Fettes for my 9 year old son. Can anyone tell me anything about their entrance exam? Is it really hard? What should he expect? It's not until January if we decide to go with this school, but any help would be appreciated

CEDP - so glad you loved Fettes Prep. If you want other senior schools they will help in whatever way they can rest assured.

Towerfarm - Hi! The entrance exams are age appropriate so nothing too scary - English, Maths and verbal reasoning. But, you can get past papers I think from the Registrar and she is lovely - Harriet Marshall. Just give her a call and see what she says. There is an open Day coming up on Oct 2nd too so you can come and look round the Prep School and College - 1.30pm start time I think. DO call Harriet she is lovely! Hope this helps.

Edinmum, this message is very last minute it's the first of october, do you know if you can just turn up to the opennday or do you need to make an appointment?

Just read this, and don't know if Edinmum's online tonight, bit I would just go along tomorrow for the open day (possibly try to ring first if you can). But no school worth it's salt is going to make a fuss about a potential new family joining them, even if they don't have an appointment. In fact, if they are awkward about it, that would speak volumes about the type of school it was. ( and I very much doubt Fettes would be like that, as Edinmum has espoused, it is a great school)

Thank you very much :)

Sorry Ladies I have been offline for AGES! Hope the Open Day was good? They would have had no prob at all with you just turning up I am sure.
CEDP - that is brilliant news I am so pleased for you and very glad it all worked out. Towerfarm - is your boy going to sit the entrance exams?