Sixth Form Curriculum
(ages 16–18)

Fettes offers a broad range of subjects in the Sixth Form with students choosing to take either A Levels or the International Baccalaureate. With over forty different courses offered on two distinctive pathways, Fettes provides the opportunity to pursue all manner of interests. The quality of the grades that our students achieve at the end of the Upper Sixth Form puts us among the leading co-educational boarding schools in the UK. Explore our options below and click on the "Fullscreen" arrows to expand your view.

Fettes College is the only School in Scotland to offer a choice of A Level and the IB (International Baccalaureate).

A Level

We offer a range of A Level subjects that allow students to achieve mastery and depth in their chosen subjects. Students will typically study three subjects but may choose to add a fourth A Level. Students also begin the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which enhances their academic profile and enables them to develop their academic independence and passions. 

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB Diploma facilitates students who wish to maintain a broader range of subjects for longer, whilst still enabling specialism in their Higher Level subjects. Students take six subjects for two years and must complete study in English, Mathematics, Science, a language (ancient or modern) and a humanities subject. In addition, students follow a course in the Theory of Knowledge (ToK), undertake a programme of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) and complete an Extended Essay on a subject of their choice. 

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For students following the A Level Pathway, they will begin the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at the start of the Spring Term of the Lower Sixth Form after they have followed a course introducing them to the skills required for research.

This is a unique opportunity for students to dictate their own learning by crafting their own research question, harnessing the wealth of knowledge available at Fettes and Edinburgh more widely and creating a meaningful piece of academic work. A key stepping stone to develop skills for further study or work. 

For students who elect to follow the IB pathway, they will  follow a course in the Theory of Knowledge, undertake a programme of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) and write a 4000 word Extended Essay on a subject of their choice. The independence of mind that the IB promotes is excellent preparation for university.

Demonstrating exceptional ambition and global outlook, our students receive offers from some of the most elite universities. Our bespoke Higher Education and award-winning Careers programme delivered by a dedicated team is committed to supporting our students in making a successful transition to the next stage of their lives. Our aim is to encourage students to recognise and fulfil their ambitions so as they can move into adulthood confidently.

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For students interested in a career as a medic, dentist or vet, our weekly MedSoc sessions support our students with UCAT preparation, facilitate students’ vocational work experience, guide them in constructing personal statements and ensure plentiful mock interviews are organised – all with the help of the professionals in the wider Fettes community who generously give their time to support the students. 

Our location means we can includes access to world class opportunities such as work experience in local hospitals, speakers from Edinburgh University, trips to Surgeon's Hall and access to university level equipment.

Our Oxford and Cambridge (Oxbridge) programme combines group sessions on super-curricular enrichment and application preparation with individual, subject specialist mentoring. Our candidates benefit from the advice of visiting expert speakers and Old Fettesian (OF) Oxbridge undergraduates. The School also runs a practice interview evening for our candidates and those from local Edinburgh schools. 

Craigleith House is where our Upper Sixth spend their final year, living communally. Here, the whole year group come together with a shared sense of focus, ambition and determination to succeed. This provides each student with an excellent transition for life beyond Fettes, preparing them well for University life.

craigleith house

The focus of Founder's Week is very much on our Upper Sixth Leavers. It includes memorable events such as the Upper Sixth Recital, End of Year Art Exhibition, Sports Day, the Upper Sixth Leavers' Ball, Founder's Eve Concert and culminates with Founder's Day.

Founder's Day is a very special day in the Fettes calendar and marks the end of the school year as well as being an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and say farewell to our Leavers.