A replica of Fettes College is to be recreated in China as a result of a new deal signed by the private boarding school.

The Edinburgh Evening News understands that even the grounds of the school and the house system currently in operation in Fettes will be adapted to the replica almost 6,000 miles away in the southern Chinport city of Guangzhou.

The move comes following a deal with the largest operator of schools in China, Bright Scholar, with the agreement seeing Fettes Guangzhou opening in September next year if plans remain on schedule.

Bright Scholar is also utilising the international architectural skills of London-based Broadway Malyan in conjunction with Fettes College’s architect Page/Park to add a further level of connection between the two campuses.

The school, which originally opened in 1870, is one of the best known and most reputable in the country, counts Tony Blair, the former prime minister, among its alumni, charges annual fees of just under £34,000 and is one of the many schools now looking to have a campus overseas.

China is seen as the ideal market with nearly 100,000 Chinese undergraduates enrolling in British universities.

Bruce Dingwall, Fettes’ deputy chairman of governors, wrote that the replica school “will be a true reflection of Fettes College internationally, fully adopt our ethos, provide an outstanding academic education, focus on sector-leading pastoral care and introduce a wealth of co-curricular activities to broaden the horizons of all of its students.

“Fettes Guangzhou will be purpose-built on a 33-acre site with a residential quarter for students.”