From the headmaster

---

Floreas Fettesia

---

---

CONTENTS

FROM THE HEADMASTER 

2

THE SPENS’ BURSARY FUND 

3

THE PAVILION RESTORATION PROJECT 

6

FUNDRAISING DINNERS 

9

2015-16 AT A GLANCE  

10

THE DIFFERENCE GIFTS MAKE 

12

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT  18

OUR GLOBAL FAMILY 

20

KEEPING IN TOUCH, GETTING INVOLVED  22

FETTES CAREER PARTNERSHIP  

PROGRAMME 24

ROLL OF HONOUR  

26

DECADE DONORS 

28

LIST OF DONORS 2015-2016 

29

THE FETTES FOUNDATION 

34

THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM 

35

Photography  

Design and print

Angus Bremner 

Kenneth Gray

Allan Forbes 

J Thomson Colour Printers

  1

---

Last year was no exception. The generous contributions 

made to the College by so many in 2015-16 have made a 

very real difference to us.

I am enormously proud of all that has been achieved 

by the dedicated staff, Board of Governors, Fettes 

Foundation Trustees, Donors and other friends of the 

College over the last 19 years, but I am especially proud of 

the Fettesians who I have been privileged enough to know 

during my time as Headmaster. 

I am pleased to report once again on excellent exam 

results, including our best ever performance at GCSE. 

Our students benefit from wonderful teaching, but they 

themselves are focused and work extremely hard to 

achieve the results they do and I am proud of them all.

Last year I reported that The Sunday Times had named 

Fettes Scottish Independent Secondary School of the 

Year, recognising our firm commitment to deliver an 

all-encompassing education of unrivalled quality within a 

caring, family-oriented community promoting excellence 

in all areas of school life. This year, I am delighted to 

report another highly coveted accolade, this time from 

Tatler who named Fettes their Public School of the Year. 

The Tatler Schools Guide has become the definitive 

reference for those seeking information and guidance 

about potential schools for their children, and the Editors 

of the Guide are rigorous and discerning in their research 

of schools. Winning this award is a powerful testament 

to the qualities of Fettesians, staff and all members of the 

wider Fettes Community who support us so generously.

“Every time we visit Fettes, it blows our socks off!”

Tatler Schools Guide 

I often say that Fettes is about much more than exam 

success. Fettesians relish their sporting achievements; 

they enjoy taking part in wonderful musical and theatrical 

performances and above all, I believe, take great pride 

in competing for their Houses in the various inter-house 

competitions throughout the year. The simple fact is all 

Fettesians have the opportunity to be the best they  

can be.

When Debbie and I move on this summer, there is no 

doubt that we will miss Fettes tremendously. Something 

that has brought us both so much happiness over the 

years is being able to see exceptional and ambitious 

young men and women, who would not ordinarily benefit 

from the opportunities of a Fettes education, excel as a 

result of financial support from others. 

To that end we are resolved, as our time at the helm of 

Fettes draws to an end, to work closely with the Fettes 

Foundation Trustees and Director of Development, Nicola 

Pickavance, to raise money to increase philanthropic 

income towards bursaries. I hope you enjoy learning 

more about these plans on the following pages. 

We would be delighted and extremely grateful if you 

would help us follow in the footsteps of our Founder,  

Sir William Fettes, to provide a great education for others.

Michael Spens

Headmaster, Fettes College

FROM THE HEADMASTER

As I reflect on my time as Headmaster of Fettes College, something that never ceases 

to amaze me, year after year, is the generosity of the Fettes Community. 

2  

---

At Fettes College we believe that talented children 

should receive a Fettes education and all the benefits 

and opportunities it presents regardless of their financial 

circumstances.

When Sir William Fettes left a bequest in his will for the 

education, maintenance and outfit of young people, 

he could not have foreseen that the College bearing 

his name would be at the forefront of contemporary 

education, not only in Scotland, but in the world.

The thriving reputation of Fettes College ensures that our 

inspirational Headmaster, Michael Spens, can retire in July 

2017 knowing that Fettes is in an incredibly good place. 

The improvements to the campus, the curriculum and 

pastoral care that he and his wife Debbie have brought to 

the College over the past 19 years have made Fettes and 

Fettesians stand out on the global stage. 

This year, in recognition of all that Michael and Debbie 

Spens have achieved since joining Fettes in 1998, the 

Foundation is raising funds for The Spens’ Bursary Fund 

to help increase philanthropic support towards bursary 

provision. 

“We are very grateful for the bursary our daughter 

receives, without which we would have been unable 

to send her to Fettes College. She is happy and has 

been most fortunate to receive a wonderful all-round 

education. We thank the Headmaster and the staff 

at Fettes for all the life changing opportunities they 

provide for our daughter and her fellow pupils.”

Parent

THE SPENS’ BURSARY FUND

Please support the Fettes Foundation this year with a gift towards The Spens’ 

Bursary Fund.

  3

---