Time is running out to secure a fully-funded place at Fettes College, with applications from students in Midlothian to be completed before mid-January.
Until this year, only two pupils from Edinburgh state primary schools were eligible for Kick-start, a transformational bursary scheme which will fund an entire Fettes College education, but this was extended to 11-year-olds from across Scotland in September.
To be eligible for this bursary, which is supported by a charitable trust, applicants must be 11 years old in September 2024, and receive free school meals or be in a low-income household.
Prospective candidates can access support with their applications from teachers at Fettes College, as well as their respective primary schools.
Ms Amanda Mair, a teacher in Fettes Prep School, has supported previous Kick-start students, their families, and their primary schools from the very beginning of the programme in 2018.
Amanda said: “It’s always such a pleasure to meet the bright and talented prospective candidates for the Kick-start bursary, and to be able to show them around our school, letting them know all about life at Fettes.
“I visit local schools to meet prospective pupils and their teachers, and have previously helped families fill in the registration forms, as I know it can sometimes feel like a daunting process.”
Following an entrance assessment, the two successful children will join Fettes’ Prep School for the first two years of their education, giving them the chance to familiarise themselves with the school environment across a stunning 100-acre campus before moving up to the Senior School.
The successful students will also have access to the latest technology, as well as an extensive range of sports, co-curricular activities, outdoor pursuits and trips.
As standard at Fettes, the successful students will also be matched with a buddy to ensure they receive a warm welcome to the school.
Old Fettesian (alumni) membership and access to the Fettes Careers Partnership is also included within the bursary, so the students have a connection to the school community for life.
A parent of a Fettes Kick-start student said: “The Kick-start bursary has enhanced all of our lives, with Fettes providing help at each stage of the process. Being part of the Fettes community and watching the skills and opportunities the children get is so rewarding.
“The Kick-start bursary won’t just provide until the child is 18 years old, as the lessons and skills they’ll learn will be with them for the rest of their lives. We are truly grateful for all that Fettes provides and all the support they give us. The Kick-start bursary is so amazing and has changed our family’s lives for the better.”
Mr Charlie Minogue, Headmaster of Fettes Colleges Preparatory School, said: “Our philanthropic mission hasn’t changed since Fettes was founded through the philanthropy of Sir William Fettes in 1870. We want to break down the barriers and help bright young pupils, regardless of their circumstances, gain access to a Fettes education so they can have an opportunity to make the most of their talents.
“This bursary is awarded to ambitious boys and girls who would not ordinarily be in a position to benefit from a Fettes education. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the exceptional education we provide at Fettes, which nurtures and discovers talents and inspires a lifelong love of learning. I’d encourage applications from students across Scotland.”
In addition to the support available from Fettes’ staff such as Ms Mair and headteachers, families can also benefit from support from staff at local FetLor Youth Club in Edinburgh.
FetLor’s Chief Executive Dr Richie Adams is keen to encourage families to contact him and his staff at FetLor Youth Club for hands-on support with their application.
Dr Richie Adams, Chief Executive of FetLor, said: “FetLor offers children and young people in the North of Edinburgh a safe place to develop their resilience, their confidence, achieve their potential, and enjoy a hot meal, even in times of challenge, hardship, and real need.
“Anything we can do to create opportunities to support these young people is something we embrace wholeheartedly. The Kick-start bursary should be grasped with both hands.”
Applications for the bursary will close on 15 January 2024.
More information about the Kick-start bursary and how to apply are available at https://www.fettes.com/kick-start-bursary.
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