Tag: public school

Plans unveiled for world-class science and tech facility at Edinburgh school

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.

Fettes College begins search for new head teacher

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.”