Helen Harrison

A specialist firm has been hired to search for a new headteacher for one of Scotland’s leading independent schools.

The current head of Fettes College, Helen Harrison, announced she will stand down and retire from the role next year and the school is already looking for her replacement.

And the governors have hired specialist firm, Perrett Laver, to identify candidates, with applications due in by 15 May.

The school opened in 1870 and was named after its founder, Sir William Fettes.

It was originally an all-boys school before becoming co-educational in 1983.

It currently has 720 students and 300 staff and is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate in the sixth form.

It will increase its offering next year with a pre-prep to offer spaces to children from the age of five.

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 head.

“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 head 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.”

Harrison added: “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.”