Fettes Foundation Anniversary Appeal

25 Years of The Fettes Foundation

Message from Eric Young (Ar 1969-1974) Chair of the Fettes Foundation

I would like to profoundly thank everyone who has donated to the Fettes Foundation over the last 25 years. Many of you have generously contributed during this time to capital projects such as Westwoods and the Spens Building, to annual appeals and to the endowment fund, all of which have had a transformative effect on Fettes and its students.

Your donations and legacies have been truly instrumental in supporting the ambitions of Fettes, and the Foundation continues to seek support from Old Fettesians, parents and friends of Fettes to help the school be the absolute best it can be going forward.

As an Old Fettesian, past parent and donor, it is a privilege to be Chair of the Foundation and humbling to see what has been made possible through every encouraging gift from the Fettes community.

The Foundation greatly depends on the generosity of its supporters, and I hope you will consider giving to this anniversary appeal to build on 25 years of extraordinary achievements.

Thank you.

£20 million raised in 25 years

Thank you to our donors for caring deeply about Fettes and making contributions large and small to so many areas across the campus

McMurray Astro

Westwoods Health Club

Fettes Prep Pavilion

Spens Building Boarding Houses

Fettes College

Grassie Shooting Range

We are currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Fettes Foundation and although I have only been in post for 6 months, I have already seen many examples of warmth, kindness and generosity from members of the Fettes community.

This is embedded across the generations, from Old Fettesians who attended Fettes decades ago, to students today who are taught to be kind and give back as part of our key values. It is clear that Fettes is a special place, and am grateful that so many choose to give back in recognition of what a Fettes education means.

Thank you to every Foundation donor who has supported Fettes so far. You have made an immense difference and hope that others will join you in donating.

Donations to the Foundation have funded a huge range of projects that benefit every Fettesian today. Our current philanthropic priority, in line with the school’s vision, is transformational bursaries. There are many ways to give your support and if you would like to find out more about funding bursaries or another area, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Michael Stitt | Director of Development

E: mrj.stitt@fettes.com

T:

+44 131 311 6960

M: 07471 950 034

HOUSES HOUSES

CULACHY MUSIC SHOOL

STEINWAY PIANO

DIGITAL ARCHIVES

CHAPEL SEATING RESTORATION CHAPEL BELLS

WESTWOODS HEALTH CLUB

WESTWOODS HEALTH CLUB

McMURRAY ASTRO

LIBRARY & STUDY CENTRE

From Care to Confidence: How a Bursary Transformed My Life

The Fettes Foundation continues to prioritise and seek support for transformational bursaries, enabling more children to benefit from the lifechanging opportunities that a Fettes education provides. One of those who has truly benefited is Jove (CW 2021-2023), who explains the difference that a bursary has made to her:

Jove’s Story

As a young individual emerging from a care experienced background, the journey of life often appeared daunting and uncertain. Having grown up in the confines of a children's home for five years prior, I was accustomed to an environment where stability and opportunities were scarce commodities.

However, amidst the shadows of uncertainty, a ray of hope pierced through the darkness in the form of a golden opportunity: a 100% bursary to attend Fettes College. To me, this bursary was not merely a financial aid package; it was a lifeline, a beacon of possibility that illuminated the path towards a brighter future. The prospect of attending Fettes, a renowned boarding school, was initially a little overwhelming but also immensely exciting. Little did I know that this opportunity would shape the trajectory of my life in such profound and unforeseen ways.

One prominent aspect of my journey at Fettes is my discovery and exploration of a deep-seated passion for drama and the performing arts. Despite the challenges I faced growing up, the spark of creativity and expression within me never dimmed and Fettes provided the platform and resources to explore this passion in ways I had never imagined, including taking part in numerous productions and even trying my hand at directing the middle school play festival. My journey culminated in an A* in my Drama A-level, a testament to the dedication and perseverance instilled in me during my time at Fettes, as this was a grade I never thought I could achieve.

The Fettes Foundation is a registered charity in Scotland, No. SC028350. It is a company limited by guarantee in Scotland, No. SC189253, with its registered office at Fettes College, Carrington Road, Edinburgh, EH4 1QX.

The support extended by Fettes through the bursary not only played a pivotal role in nurturing my love for drama, but also provided me chances to pursue extracurricular activities that enriched my experience, such as writing for The Hive, trying new sports like hockey and dance, singing lessons, co-running the Fettes Equalities Society and participating in running events. As I reflect on my time at Fettes, I am filled with overwhelming gratitude for the immeasurable impact of my tutor and other teachers who shaped me into the person I am today and helped to lay the foundation for my future successes.

Looking towards the future, the impact of Fettes and the bursary I received extends far beyond academic achievements and career aspirations. It has instilled within me a sense of resilience, determination, and gratitude that will continue to guide me on my journey.

Bolstered by the unwavering support of the Fettes community, I embarked on a one-year foundation course to study acting at Italia Conti. Now halfway through, I have reauditioned for a BA course and have an unconditional offer for the University of the Arts London and a second audition recall from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. One thing is certain: I am on track to achieve my dreams. This would not have been possible without the transformative power of the bursary offered by Fettes, which served as the catalyst for change.

My bursary really helped to break down barriers and open doors to opportunities that once not so long ago, seemed unattainable to me. Through the generosity of the bursary, and of the school, I have been able to defy others’ expectations of me and in turn rewrite the narrative of my life. In my moments of triumph to come (such as when I win my first Oscar) I will look back on my time at Fettes College with nostalgia and gratitude and I will proudly acknowledge the school that paved the way for my achievements.

Please consider making a gift towards bursaries to support others like Jove to thrive at Fettes.