Edinburgh's Fettes College begins search for new headteacher

The school has commissioned a specialist firm, Perrett Laver, to help identify candidates, with applications due by May 15. Helen Harrison has been Head of Fettes College since June 2019.

The departing headteacher said: “This place; the students and our staff mean the world to me, and it will always be the honour of my life to have led Fettes College and this community.

“I am immensely proud of our achievements, of seeing my vision for Fettes come to life, ground-breaking facilities under construction; and most importantly our students fulfilling their potential.

“However, by Founder’s Day next year it will be the right time to pass on this privilege to the next head. Until that time it is business as usual and I will continue to give this job my absolute all.”

Named after its founder, Sir William Fettes, the school opened in 1870 and has around 720 students with over 300 staff. It is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form and a top ten IB School in the UK.

Outgoing Fettes College headteacher Helen Harrison. | Big Partnership

Get Edinburgh’s biggest stories as they’re happening - sign up for the new breaking newsletter

Click here to sign up 👇

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/newsletter

The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, chair of the Governors, said: “Helen has selflessly devoted herself to Fettes for over 30 years – 19 in a senior leadership role and latterly seven as headteacher.

“She has made a significant contribution to the success of this place and her vision for Fettes has steered a path that ensures our students leave Fettes knowing themselves, looking out for others and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world.

“We are now beginning the work of securing a new headteacher in partnership with Perrett Laver to ensure we have someone worthy of leading this great school.

“The Governing Body is seeking a visionary educationalist who will bring energy and experience to the role of head from September 2026. This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for an outstanding leader.”

Although it currently serves young people aged 7 – 18, from next academic year Fettes will also open a Pre-Prep school and offer places to children from the age of five.