New Science and Innovation Centre to be built on campus at Fettes College
Fettes College has revealed plans to build a new world-class hub for science, technology and innovation following a multi-million-pound donation.
The Science and Innovation Centre will provide students with access to best-in-class modern laboratories, collaborative learning spaces, and cutting-edge technology that will support hands-on scientific exploration and creative thinking.
Designed by award-winning Edinburgh architects Reiach and Hall, the centre will sit in the heart of the school’s city centre campus and replace the existing 1970s facility that is reaching the end of its planned lifespan.
The plans have been unveiled shortly after the opening of the school’s Allardice Centre, a specially designed and sustainable on-campus hub to cater for the physical and mental wellbeing of all students and staff.
New Head of Fettes College, Richard Girvan, joined the school in August. On the new Science and Innovation Centre, he said: “This is a hugely exciting development made possible thanks to a very generous donation.
“The new centre will be world-class and reflect our dedication to fostering a culture of creativity, inquiry and achievement in these vital fields of study. It builds on our vision for Fettes.”
Libby Heathcote, Associate Director, Reiach and Hall Architects, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to design the new Science and Innovation Centre at the heart of Fettes College’s stunning and historic campus.
“Our design focuses on simplicity, adaptability, and sustainability, using a rigorously organised plan to deliver modern laboratories and generous classrooms connected by open and inviting communal spaces.”
The facility reflects the growing importance of science and innovation to Fettes College and its curriculum, catering for both GCSE/A Level and International Baccalaureate (IB) pathways, and will create a focal point for science, technology, robotics and engineering education.
RIBA Stage 3 Design is now underway and once planning approval has been obtained, a full timescale for construction will be determined.
The institution recently celebrated a record-breaking year for A Level and IB results. The only school in Scotland to offer both IB and A Level pathways in Sixth Form, August’s results were its best ever for combined A Level and IB results.
The combined A Level and IB results saw 22% of students achieve A*/7; 63% achieve A*-A/7-6; and 89% achieve A*-B/7-5. At GCSE level, nearly a fifth of all grades were at Grade 9 with 40% at Grades 9–8 (A*).
Fettes is the top IB school in Scotland and a top 10 IB school within the UK.
