22nd March run hopes to raise £10k for FetLor, Scotland’s oldest youth club
An annual charity fun run organised by Fettes College will this year raise money for Scotland’s oldest youth club, enabling local school children to embark on the invaluable experience of a Duke of Edinburgh award.
FetLor Youth Club regularly welcome over 350 young people throughout the week to engage in entirely free sport and creative activity in a safe and warm environment.
The club was established in 1924 by former pupils from Fettes College and Loretto School and continues to maintain strong relationships with both schools.
One of its primary aims is to provide opportunities that would ordinarily be out of reach for its members and this year Fettes has chosen to dedicate all the money raised from its fun run to FetLor.
The event, taking place on Sunday 22 March, will see hundreds of people running a 5K, 10K or half marathon distance both within Fettes’ grounds, around the city and further afield with Fettes alumni also undertaking their own runs from wherever they are in the world.
An inclusive event, participants are able to join in by cycling, rowing, walking or running on treadmills too.
FetLor will use any moneys raised to fund their Duke of Edinburgh award which currently has 18 participants enrolled on it – a life changing experience for many that develops new skills and helps participants achieve their potential.
Dr Richie Adams, Chief Executive, FetLor Youth Club said: “We’ve had the privilege of offering many young people the chance to take part in Duke of Edinburgh and have seen first-hand just how transformational it has been.
“With expanded horizons comes new aspirations and participating in the award helps our members see new opportunities and discover a higher potential.”
Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said: “The annual charity run at Fettes College is always a joyous spectacle and provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and Give Back.
“I am continually inspired by the team at FetLor Youth Club and their support of young people across Edinburgh. We are very proud to fundraise for them and their young members.”
In addition to a warm and welcoming space at its youth club, FetLor also provide volunteering opportunities with SQA awarded points as well as wide-ranging educational assistance.
The youth club is open to young people of all ages and all activities are free. For more information, visit: https://www.fetlor.org.uk/
Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), has today, Wednesday 28 January, published her findings relating to the provision of residential care for children at Fettes College in Edinburgh.
She concludes that, over at least four decades, from the 1950s, pupils were regularly subjected to appalling abuse at Fettes.
The school repeatedly failed to act upon complaints. Multiple opportunities to prevent dreadful suffering were missed or ignored.
The findings are part of SCAI’s overall boarding schools case study and echo the kinds of abuse that occurred at Loretto School, Morrison’s Academy, Gordonstoun, Queen Victoria School, Merchiston Castle School, Keil School, and boarding schools run by male religious orders, namely the Benedictines, the Christian Brothers, and the Marist Brothers.
Fettes College was established in 1870 using funds from the estate of Sir William Fettes and was intended to follow the model of other boarding schools in Scotland and England.
The school was, until 1972, a boys-only boarding school. The first female day pupils started in 1972, and Fettes became fully co-educational in 1983. It was and is a school for fee-paying pupils and recipients of bursaries and scholarships.
Accounts of life at Fettes until the end of the 1980s were remarkably consistent. Living conditions were basic, and day-to-day responsibility for keeping order fell on senior pupils, while staff were remote, with limited, if any, oversight.
In this environment abuse was able to flourish for decades.
Lady Smith said: ‘Children were wholly failed by the school. They could have been readily protected, and it is shameful that did not happen.
‘Had complaints been listened to and acted upon at the outset, many children would have been saved from abuse. The suffering they still endure, over 50 years later in the 2020s, could all have been prevented.
‘Children were sexually abused, they were physically abused, and they were emotionally abused. Members of staff sexually abused children from the 1950s until the 1980s.
‘The perpetrators included a headmaster, Anthony Chenevix-Trench, and some teachers including Iain Wares.
‘Wares was 27 when he moved to Edinburgh from his home in Cape Town, South Africa in 1967. He had been working as a teacher at St George’s Grammar School in Cape Town but had resigned from his post on account of incidents of what he referred to as “playing around with small boys”.
‘In the course of his career the norm became that he was “asked to leave” teaching jobs “quietly on account of similar incidents”.
‘He arrived in Edinburgh having been referred to Professor Henry Walton, consultant psychiatrist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, by a South African consultant with a view to “curing” him of what is described in his medical records as “homosexuality (liking for young boys)” and a “personality disorder – dependent type”.
‘Wares was employed as a teacher in Edinburgh between 1968 and 1979, first at The Edinburgh Academy and then at Fettes. He was not “cured”. Rather, he was and remained a prolific abuser of children.
‘He preyed on them. He had a predilection for touching young boys sexually that he could not control. At times, he could not control his temper either, resulting in children being subjected by him to brutal assaults.’
Lady Smith’s findings also highlight the repeated failure of Professor Walton to take appropriate action.
Lady Smith added: ‘Many children were harmed by Wares, and many are still suffering the effects of his abuse, which was appalling both in its nature and in its extent. Children suffered dreadfully.
‘They were failed by Henry Walton who knew that Wares was abusing children and that his dangerous predilections were never “cured”.
‘Walton wholly failed to prioritise the protection of children and failed to lead his team appropriately.
‘He insisted that Wares should continue to teach children despite his ongoing paedophilia, despite him not being “cured” of his problems, and despite both his wife and his GP making it clear that they thought Walton was being utterly irresponsible in doing so.
‘Although Fettes resolved to dismiss Wares in 1975, it kept him on in its employment as a teacher until 1979.’
Former headmaster Anthony Chenevix-Trench’s protection of abusers has also been highlighted in the findings.
Lady Smith said: ‘Chenevix-Trench was appointed as head of Fettes having previously been head of Eton College. Fettes hoped that appointing a man who had been head of Eton would enhance its reputation.
‘He was in fact a man who was unfit to be appointed to lead a school on account of his having lost the trust of senior masters at Eton, having a problem with drink, and having a propensity to beat boys excessively.
‘He was appointed despite these matters having been expressly disclosed to Fettes by Eton. Chenevix-Trench was also attracted to young blond teenagers at Eton, a predilection of which the provost of Eton College was aware.
‘He protected two, and possibly more, members of staff who had, to his knowledge, abused children at Fettes.’
Children were physically abused at Fettes both by teachers and by other children. There was also a culture of silence; children feared retribution and being ostracised if they complained.
Emotional abuse of children by other children was also common, and following the introduction of co-education female pupils were the targets of serious and regular misogyny which persisted into the twenty-first century. They were treated as second-class citizens in a way that was tolerated by the school.
Racism was also prevalent at Fettes well into the twenty-first century. Mocking by staff and pupils of anyone who was not British was normalised into the 1990s. Black or Asian pupils experienced violence or threats of violence from other pupils.
There were nonetheless children throughout the period covered in evidence who were not abused and had positive experiences at the school, which they value. Some of those who were abused also had positive experiences.
Recent leaders have reflected carefully since their first response to SCAI in 2017 at which time they did not accept that there were any systemic failures.
They now acknowledge there were shortcomings at Fettes in decades long past, as well as more recently.
Lady Smith said: ‘Applicants and other witnesses continue to come forward to the Inquiry with relevant evidence about boarding schools and this will be considered as part of a continuing process.
‘I would encourage anyone who has relevant information on any aspect of our work to get in touch with our witness support team.’
FETTES COLLEGE RESPONDED THIS AFTERNOON:
Open Letter to the Fettes Community
28th January 2026
I write to you today on receipt of the newly published report into Fettes by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry chaired by Lady Smith. We were one of eight boarding schools covered by this Inquiry.
The report makes for very difficult reading. We do not shrink from the criticism levelled at the school and accept the Inquiry’s findings that there were significant shortcomings.
Many young people were failed by those in positions of authority at Fettes, who could and should have acted differently. Their actions fell well below the standards expected and would be utterly unthinkable at the Fettes of today.
To our former pupils who suffered abuse at Fettes, we are truly sorry and make a full and unreserved apology to you. We also extend our deepest gratitude to those of you who bravely came forward. We understand that nothing can undo the past, but we sincerely hope that having your voices heard through the Inquiry can be a step towards healing for everyone who suffered.
The accounts of those who have given evidence to the Inquiry describing their time at school and the abuse they endured are now part of the school’s history. We have listened, we have reflected and we have learned.
The culture at our school today is unrecognisable from the past, and we are encouraged that Lady Smith’s report notes the positive findings of our 2025 Inspections by Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate.
However, we will never be complacent.
On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Leadership Team, I affirm our unwavering commitment to the care and protection of the children in our school.
Twin brothers win Unsung Hero award after 40 years at Fettes College
Twin brothers who have spent their entire working lives looking after the grounds of Fettes College in Edinburgh have won a Tatler Schools Award in the Unsung Hero category.
George and Kevin McNab were announced as the winners in London yesterday (Monday 29th September). They attended the awards ceremony at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel with their wives.
George and Kevin McNab joined Fettes on the same day back in January 1985 when they were only 16. Following in the footsteps of their father, who worked at the school as a joiner for nearly 30 years, they quickly became part of the fabric of Fettes’ life.
The Tatler Schools Guide celebrates the top prep and public schools in the UK and the Tatler Schools Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of UK staff, pupils and school communities.
The Unsung Heroes category shines a spotlight on individuals whose work is totally invaluable to a school and makes a lasting difference behind the scenes. George and Kevin were the only shortlisted nomination from Scotland and beat competition from candidates from four English schools.
Over four decades, George and Kevin have seen a lot of change, from chalk-clogged pitch markers to today’s robot line marker, affectionately nicknamed “Lionel Pitchie” and much more, witnessing thousands of children grow up at the school. But what hasn’t changed is their friendship, humour and loyalty to each other and to the school community.
Over the years, the brothers have shared countless memories at Fettes, including George meeting his future wife in the school dining hall. This moment remains one of their most cherished stories alongside decades of tending rugby pitches and cricket squares in all four seasons.
Head of Grounds Kevin McNab said: “Being nominated for this award is a huge surprise and a real honour and to win is even better.
“We never imagined that our work behind the scenes would be recognised in this way. It’s very humbling to be included alongside so many outstanding people and we are looking forward to attending the Award Ceremony in London.”
His brother George, who is Deputy Head of Grounds, added: “It’s wonderful to have our efforts acknowledged.
“We’ve always loved what we do and to win this award is something we’ll never forget. It feels like a recognition of the whole team, not just the two of us.”
Peter Worlledge, Bursar and Head of Operational Staff at Fettes said:“Everyone at Fettes is delighted for George and Kevin – now nicknamed our ‘Tatler Twins’!
“They are pillars of our school community, who have spent over four decades going the extra mile for students and staff alike.
“Their dedication, care and humour have shaped Fettes in countless ways over the past 40 years and their contributions to our school are innumerable.
“This win is a fitting recognition of everything they have done for generations of students and staff, and we hope they enjoyed the experience of attending this prestigious event.”
The winners of the Tatler Schools Awards 2026 were announced at the awards ceremony on Monday 29 September 2025.
Twin brothers who have spent their entire working lives looking after the grounds of Fettes College in Edinburgh have been shortlisted for a Tatler Schools Award in the Unsung Hero category.
George and Kevin McNab are heading to London on Monday 29th September, with their wives, to attend the Award Ceremony at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel.
George and Kevin McNab joined Fettes on the same day back in January 1985 when they were only 16. Following in the footsteps of their father, who worked at the school as a joiner for nearly 30 years, they quickly became part of the fabric of Fettes’ life.
The Tatler Schools Guide celebrates the top prep and public schools in the UK and the Tatler Schools Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of UK staff, pupils and school communities.
The Unsung Heroes category shines a spotlight on individuals whose work is totally invaluable to a school and makes a lasting difference behind the scenes. George and Kevin are the only shortlisted nomination from Scotland and are up against candidates from four English schools.
Over four decades, George and Kevin have seen a lot of change, from chalk-clogged pitch markers to today’s robot line marker, affectionately nicknamed “Lionel Pitchie” and much more, witnessing thousands of children grow up at the school. But what hasn’t changed is their friendship, humour and loyalty to each other and to the school community.
Over the years, the brothers have shared countless memories at Fettes, including George meeting his future wife in the school dining hall. This moment remains one of their most cherished stories alongside decades of tending rugby pitches and cricket squares in all four seasons.
Head of Grounds Kevin McNab said: “Being nominated for this award is a huge surprise and a real honour. We never imagined that our work behind the scenes would be recognised in this way.
“It’s very humbling to be included alongside so many outstanding people and we are looking forward to attending the Award Ceremony in London.”
His brother George, who is Deputy Head of Grounds, added: “It’s wonderful to have our efforts acknowledged.
“We’ve always loved what we do and to be nominated for an award is something we’ll never forget. It feels like a recognition of the whole team, not just the two of us.”
Peter Worlledge, Bursar and Head of Operational Staff at Fettes said:“Everyone at Fettes is delighted for George and Kevin – now nicknamed our ‘Tatler Twins’! – They are pillars of our school community, who have spent over four decades going the extra mile for students and staff alike.
“Their dedication, care and humour have shaped Fettes in countless ways over the past 40 years and their contributions to our school are innumerable.
“This nomination is a fitting recognition of everything they have done for generations of students and staff, and we hope they enjoy the experience of attending this prestigious event.”
The winners of the Tatler Schools Awards 2026 will be announced at the awards ceremony on Monday 29 September 2025.
Fettes students “benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum that is outstanding” says Education Scotland’s recent inspection of Fettes College. The unscheduled inspection was instructed by Scottish Ministers in February, and the findings were published yesterday (2nd September).
Inspectors awarded Fettes excellent ratings in both ‘Curriculum’ and ‘Raising attainment and achievement’, alongside very good ratings in ‘Learning, teaching and assessment’ and ‘Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion’.
Inspectors rightly demand the highest standards, and their report highlights the distinctive strengths of a Fettes education, noting:
Staff have “successfully created a curriculum that supports children and young people to flourish in their academic and personal interests.” and “ensure the curriculum is strongly underpinned by an aspirational vision with a clear focus on academic excellence, building character and supporting personal wellbeing.”
Staff “foster very nurturing and mutually respectful relationships” and are “highly responsive to the wellbeing needs of children and young people”.
Students are “highly motivated to succeed”, producing work “of an exceptionally high standard” and making “excellent progress” in their learning.
Extensive opportunities for students to achieve beyond the classroom, helping them to “know themselves well” and aspire to reach their full potential.
A culture where students, staff and families “celebrate their own and others’ cultural diversity” and observe religious and cultural events together “in an inclusive, respectful way”.
Staff ‘recognise the need to ensure fairness and equality and to identify and mitigate against discrimination and bias in all aspects of the school’s work’.
This is testament to the exceptional work of the team at Fettes, which showed inspectors the values at the heart of the school community — academic ambition, character development, personal wellbeing, and a deeply inclusive culture where every individual is valued.
Head of Fettes College, Helen Harrison, said, “I am immensely proud of everyone at Fettes College – Senior and Prep – and extend my thanks to them all for their commitment and contribution to this fantastic achievement.
“We had a team of inspectors in our school for two weeks and they looked at everything. Their findings, published today about the learning and experience that happens in our classrooms and around our school sets us amongst those at the top of education in Scotland.”
The results of the inspection were published on 2nd September 2025 on the Education Scotland website: https://education.gov.scot/.
Fettes College is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Girvan, currently Principal & CEO of the Stephen Perse Foundation, as its new Head from September 2026.
In April, Fettes announced that current Head, Helen Harrison, will be retiring from the role next year, by which point she will have devoted herself to Fettes for over 30 years, serving seven years in the position of Head.
Named after its founder, Sir William Fettes, the school opened in 1870 and has around 720 students with over 300 staff. Fettes is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate (IB) in the Sixth Form and is a top ten IB School in the UK. Although it currently educates young people aged 7 – 18, from September it will also open a Pre-Prep and offer places to children from age five.
The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of the Governors, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Richard’s calibre joining Fettes.
“Our shortlist of potential candidates included experienced and excellent school leaders, all of whom were existing Head teachers. Although all of them would have been a credit to Fettes, Richard stood out from these candidates as an outstanding and visionary leader. We look forward to him building on our proud legacy and bold ambitions to lead our community and shape the future of our school as he takes Fettes forward into this new era.
“Over the next year, Richard Girvan and our current Head, Helen Harrison, both have extensive ongoing commitments leading their respective schools, which they will do to their customary high standards.
“The year we have, before the change, allows for a smooth handover process and opportunities for Richard, his wife Tessa, and their three children: Molly, Ruairi and Finn to return to Fettes and for them to meet parents, students and staff over the coming months and we look forward to welcoming them into the Fettes family.”
Richard will join Fettes from the Stephen Perse Foundation, a group of nurseries, junior and senior schools in Cambridge and Saffron Walden, where he has served as Principal since 2020.
Prior to this, Richard spent eight years as Surmaster (Head of the Senior School) at St Paul’s School in London. He joined St Paul’s directly after graduating from Cambridge, serving as a mathematics teacher, pastoral and boarding house tutor, and coach of athletics and rugby, and later as Director of Sport and Safeguarding Lead.
Originally from Belfast, Richard read Engineering at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he also completed his PGCE. During his time at university, he represented Cambridge in both rugby union and rugby league, earning a Blue and student international caps.
Richard currently sits on the Academy Council at North Cambridge Academy and has previously held board positions, including two as a governor.
Richard said: “My family and I are thrilled and deeply honoured to be invited to join the vibrant, friendly, full boarding community of Fettes.
“We’re beyond excited to become part of a school with such a rich history, in such a wonderful setting, and with such a community-focused spirit.
“I eagerly look forward to leading Fettes into its next chapter — one that builds on excellence and embraces opportunity.”
Six Fettes College students have won the Youth Class at the prestigious Scottish Islands Peaks Race, a tough sea and land adventure challenge.
Team Fettes took on what is known as one of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges, sailing over 160 nautical miles from Oban and running up and down mountains on the islands of Mull, Jura and Arran, totalling almost 60 miles, crossing the finish line in Troon at 3:30am on Monday 19 May.
The team was made up of six Lower Sixth students and four staff who put their teamwork to the test throughout the demanding multi-day event. They were led by skipper Roger Pim aboard the yacht Luskentyre. Students had been training for the event since September, with regular weekend runs in the Pentland Hills outside of Edinburgh, and a sail training weekend on the west coast of Scotland earlier in May.
The Scottish Islands Peaks Race, first held in 1983, combines offshore sailing with mountain running, drawing competitors from across the country and internationally. The Youth Class offers a unique opportunity for young people to push themselves in one of the UK’s most challenging adventure races.
Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said:“We are so proud of our SIPR team and how well they worked together in supporting and encouraging one another throughout the race, and in their preparations for it. An amazing effort!”
One of the participating students, Seth J, said:“The race was tough but unforgettable; the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I feel a huge sense of achievement now it is over.
“Our training really paid off as we felt well-prepared for both the sailing and the running that were involved.
“The support from the team and the guidance from staff kept us going. Reaching Troon was a moment of pure relief and joy, knowing all our effort was worth it.”
To find out more about the various activities on offer at Fettes College, go to:
A recruitment process has begun for a new head teacher at Fettes College in Edinburgh, with the current Head Helen Harrison announcing her retirement from the role next year. The school has commissioned a specialist firm to help identify candidates, with applications due by 15 May.
Named after its founder, Sir William Fettes, the school opened in 1870 and has around 720 students with over 300 staff. It is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form and a top ten IB School in the UK. Although it currently serves young people aged 7 – 18, from next academic year it will also open a Pre-Prep and offer places to children from age five.
The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of the Governors, said: “Helen has selflessly devoted herself to Fettes for over 30 years – 19 in a senior leadership role and latterly seven as Head.
“She has made a significant contribution to the success of this place and her vision for Fettes has steered a path that ensures our students leave Fettes knowing themselves, looking out for others and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world.
“We are now beginning the work of securing a new Head in partnership with Perrett Laver to ensure we have someone worthy of leading this great school. The Governing Body is seeking a visionary educationalist who will bring energy and experience to the role of Head from September 2026.
“This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for an outstanding leader.”
Helen Harrison said: “This place; the students and our staff mean the world to me, and it will always be the honour of my life to have led Fettes College and this community.
“I am immensely proud of our achievements, of seeing my vision for Fettes come to life, ground-breaking facilities under construction; and most importantly our students fulfilling their potential.
“However, by Founder’s Day next year it will be the right time to pass on this privilege to the next Head. Until that time it is business as usual and I will continue to give this job my absolute all.”
Vladimirs Kruus, Executive Chef at Edinburgh’s Fettes College, has been named School Chef of the Year at the Scottish School Food Awards.
The awards were held at Glasgow Academy on 6 February 2025.
Chef Vlad beat stiff competition from the chefs at the Highland Council, Gordonstoun School, Barrhead High School and Dollar Academy.
Vlad joined Fettes College as Executive Chef in November 2023 and has since refreshed the school’s menu with dishes like teriyaki salmon and sushi platters, which have been a hit among students and staff. One standout favourite is his chicken katsu curry, served with jasmine rice and chili-garlic pak choi—a dish that has quickly become a dining hall staple.
Vladimirs Kruus, Executive Chef at Fettes College, said:“Being nominated was an honour in itself, but to be named Scotland’s best school chef is truly incredible.
“I love seeing the excitement from students and staff as they try new flavours and rediscover old favourites. It’s a privilege to create menus that are fresh, seasonal, and nutritious while introducing diverse ingredients and global cuisines.”
Vlad spent a season as Head Chef at the famous five-star Balmoral Hotel before taking up his post at the school. As part of his culinary career, Vlad also worked as Head Chef at Apex Hotels and Sous Chef at Radisson Blu.
John Hutchison, Catering Manager at Fettes College, said:“In the short time I have known Vlad I have been incredibly impressed by his deep culinary knowledge, cooking and menu skills.
“His years of experience are clear and evident in every dish and menu he creates, balancing flavours with precision; and consistently delivering high quality food on the plate every time.
“Beyond his technical abilities, Vlad’s leadership skills in the kitchen are truly inspiring. He handles pressure with ease, mentors his team with care, passion and patience and brings a level of professionalism that elevates the whole catering department, which also make him very approachable with staff and students alike.”
The catering team runs regular theme days to celebrate different countries and cultures and introduce new foods to the students. The team always aims to cook nutritional food and have a well-stocked salad bar to ensure balance.
Dedicated to sustainability and quality, Vlad and the catering team prioritise locally sourced ingredients, with over 80% of the school’s food coming from Scottish suppliers. They also champion sustainable practices by consolidating orders from each supplier to minimise their carbon footprint.
Fettes College has been named Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2025 (GCSE/A level) in the Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2025.
Fettes College, the only school in Scotland offering pupils the choice between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB), has received recognition for academic excellence for its GCSE and A Level curriculum and results.
The school is also recognised as the Top IB School in Scotland and a Top Ten IB School in the UK.
Schools are ranked based on the average points achieved in the International Baccalaureate examinations and the percentage of A*, A, and B grades across all A-Level entries in summer 2024.
Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said:“This achievement is largely down to the hard work of our students, who are always striving for the best and who dedicate the time to their education and individual growth.
“However, it wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of all of our teaching staff, who commit their days to bringing the best out of our students and providing them with a quality education that sets them up for life outside of school.
“The quality of education we deliver goes beyond achieving impressive academic results at GCSE, A Levels, and the IB. Our curriculum, including our bespoke Middle School Diploma, is designed to stretch and challenge students beyond the confines of the exam specification and encourages students to achieve excellent outcomes and to aim high.
“We want to empower our students to work independently and to think critically, encouraging innovation and creativity and setting them up for success in the Sixth Form and beyond. It’s fantastic to receive this recognition.”
82% of Fettes’ recent leavers secured places at their first-choice universities, both in the UK and internationally.
