Fettes Across the Generations

Two OF Grandfathers and their Families

We contacted two multi-generational Fettes families with students currently studying in the Fourth and Fifth Forms. Their perspectives show the value of friendship and the family desire for a thread of continuity, enabling the next generation to benefit from all that a Fettes education has to offer. Each generation also comments on modernisation from the last and how Fettes fitted with each of their needs at the time.

Johnston Family

Grandfather, David Johnston (Ca 1953–1958): I will start by saying I always valued what Fettes did for me.

My parents, and my grandparents, built their lives in India so it was logical to send me, an only child, to board at Fettes. Fettes gave me two things I have valued throughout my life: the friends I made and perseverance.

I was lucky enough to be large so played rugger, which in those days was much more important than being a scholar, so I believe I “did well” at Fettes. Full disclosure: I was in the 1st XV that lost our 8 year unbeaten record. And finally, a tribute to the staff of Fettes Masters, I achieved three A levels and a law degree from Edinburgh University.

My son, Christopher, was not given much choice about schooling since we were by then a family on the international business circuit, so he “had to go to boarding school”. My grandson, Callum, seems to enjoy Fettes enormously in spite of the difficulties of the Covid era. Which makes me think, and I tell him every chance I get, Fettes today is much plusher than it was in my day. Was it not ever thus, from generation to generation? I am happy to see him happy.

Father, Chris Johnston (Ca 1983–1988): My time at Fettes provided me with a strong set of values and a solid academic basis. I believe I walked away with confidence, and this enabled me to continue my education and then start my career knowing that I could interact with people. Much of this was due to my time at Fettes.

I arrived at Fettes straight “off the boat” from the US, where my parents had spent the previous twenty years. We had been to Scotland many times to visit grandparents, but it was not necessarily a familiar environment. To this end, knowing that my father had spent time at Fettes was a comfort in the early days. I soon settled in, but even in my last year I could never escape him as his name was on a board outside my study!

As my wife and I embarked on the difficult process of deciding how to guide Callum in his secondary education, I was constantly reminded of the hearty Scottish reception and education I had received at Fettes. Fettes offers a great education. My peers, teachers and the people I came across in my time there were warm and friendly. I believe Callum will come away feeling the same way after his time at Fettes.

Fettes seems to be coping very well in finding a balance between boarding and day students too. Having boarded for five years, it was a very important part of my experience and the main difference that I have seen since Callum’s arrival is in the boarding houses. Carrington has been updated sympathetically, but still provides great common areas for the boys (in normal times) to socialise. Proper heating upstairs seems to be a welcome addition! Like all schools nowadays, pastoral care is front and foremost at Fettes, and I am very happy that there seems to be someone for the students to turn to at all times. The addition of Craigleith House for the Upper Sixth provides a valuable steppingstone for them before they embark on their next chosen path (albeit in some luxury, I understand!).

I am also very impressed with how the school has managed to keep most of the wonderful grounds that my father and I’s generations grew up with. After a recent visit, I marvelled to myself that my son was able to have all this space in the middle of one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.

I am very pleased that Callum is attending Fettes. Like many parents, I spend a lot of time reminding him of the opportunities that Fettes affords him, and to be sure that he takes advantage of these; I am not sure that he pays heed to my advice, but he has certainly broadened his spheres of interest considerably.

Son, Callum (Current Carrington Student): I would describe the Fettes of today as a very friendly, inclusive community that offers countless opportunities, allowing amazing memories to be made. When I joined last year, I was immediately welcomed and accepted into the community, and I have made some very strong friendships here. Fettes excels academically too, and I am fortunate to have learnt an incredible amount and many new skills due to our amazing, kind staff and their high academic standards. Sports are also run very well, allowing a sense of fun and competitiveness.

It is an honour to be able to carry on the Johnston name at Fettes and nice to be able to look back and discuss change at the school with my father and grandfather. I enjoy hearing how Fettes was in their day and knowing that my family have a personal history here.

Hendry/Wood Family

Grandfather, Michael Hendry (Ki 1957–1962): The Fettes of today has changed so much with the times. There are no longer things like cold showers. It was a different world when I was here and standards have improved so much in terms of living, teaching and sports.

Fettes opened up to girls only a few years before Vanessa joined the Prep. We looked at many Edinburgh schools and thought Fettes would suit her personality the most. Meeting the very calm and approachable David Clarke, the Headmaster at the Junior School, helped our decision.

When it was time for Vanessa to choose a school for Abbey, I had nothing to do with the decision. However, I am delighted that Abbey is at Fettes. My grandson will also be joining in September, so the family connection continues. The choice to send each generation to Fettes was not born out of loyalty to the school, but more that the product was the right one at the time of making the decision. I was originally at Edinburgh Academy but my parents decided to move me to Fettes College as they felt it would be a better fit.

Fettes gives you a good education and prepares you well for the ups and downs of life. Interestingly, I was back at Fettes around the time of the centenary when our family construction firm built the science labs.

Mother, Vanessa Wood (née Hendry) (JS-Ar 1984–1992): Ultimately it was my daughter Abbey’s choice to go to Fettes. Clearly if you have good memories of a place, even if it has changed over the years, then that has a positive influence on your decision. Looking around and visiting for sports occasions from Belhaven Hill School, we were always really impressed with the staff. The teachers and the peer group are what make a place and we wanted her to be in a happy environment.

There are obvious changes to the physical environment. Abbey no longer has to run through the pond like we did in the steeplechase. When I attended Fettes, someone had dug a hole in the pond so when you stepped in there was a high chance you’d fall, much to the entertainment of all the spectators. The old swimming pool was a big part of school life and it’s been replaced by Westwoods. It’s good being a parent at a school that you know your way around, and the polish used hasn’t changed as the main building still smells the same as it always did!

Technology is the biggest change in all areas of life and in the classroom. Most of my teachers favoured the overhead projector which seemed dynamic at the time. I expect our children’s generation won’t even know what that is!

School is such a formative time in your life and Fettes taught me to take opportunities that come your way and to keep challenging yourself. The extra-curricular activities are a big part of the school and I have memories of sleeping in snow holes in the Cairngorms, sledging down glaciers in orange bivvy bags and travelling across Siberia in 1992. I’m not sure risk assessments existed then, but that was a great freedom we had. I have friends from Fettes that are still a big part of my life.

When Abbey started, I was sad that she missed Rona MacVicar (Staff 1984–2019) by a term as her amazing contribution to the school and many young lives made a big impact on me. She also had a great sense of humour, particularly when her walking boots started to melt whilst drying by a fire in Siberia.

Mr Henderson (Staff 1984–1993) (Deceased) was another influential teacher that I was lucky enough to have as an English teacher for three years. We had these lessons in the Old Library and in the evening it seemed lit up by the view of the Castle. He could be a little scary and as well as teaching us English, he taught us to grow up. He had a real presence, and really raised our standards. My love of reading is down to him and I often re-read To Kill a Mockingbird when I don’t have anything lined up.

A good friend of mine, who is not an Old Fettesian, has always commented that her friends from Fettes are the most grounded group of friends she has.

Daughter, Abbey (Current College West Student): I wanted to go to Fettes as I wanted to board and because of the number of different opportunities offered by the school. It seemed like a really friendly place when I visited on my trial day. I really enjoy Fettes, especially because it is the Summer Term at the moment, and we are outside lots and playing sports. I often think of how my mother and grandfather came here and how it must have changed since they went here. Fettes is a very lovely community today and I really enjoy everyday life here.

Considering admission to Fettes for your family?

As Old Fettesians, you have experienced all that Fettes has to offer and we hope that Fettes plays just as important a part in your present and future as it did in your past. If you are considering a Fettes education for a member of your family, our Admissions Team will happily answer any questions you may have and update you on all that has been happening here since you left.

Although there are a few restrictions currently in place regarding visiting, when you are able to come, we will ensure a thorough tour so you can show your family where you grew up and relive some of your school memories. Our Head, Helen Harrison, would be delighted to meet with you and discuss the Fettes of today and what a Fettes education can do for your child. Your tour will, of course, include a visit to your House and an opportunity to meet with the current Houseparent so you can reminisce and rediscover – our Archivist will happily find some treasures from the archives as a memento too.

To this day, studying at Fettes is an incredible start to life with its history, ethos and community providing constant strength. A Fettes education is and should remain a currency that really matters to every student who receives it.

Admissions Contact Details admissions@fettes.com or +44 (0)131 311 6744

A strong foundation for the future, a family for life.