CONTENTS
FROM THE HEADMASTER
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THE SPENS’ BURSARY FUND
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THE PAVILION RESTORATION PROJECT
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FUNDRAISING DINNERS
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2015-16 AT A GLANCE
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THE DIFFERENCE GIFTS MAKE
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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 18
OUR GLOBAL FAMILY
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KEEPING IN TOUCH, GETTING INVOLVED 22
FETTES CAREER PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAMME 24
ROLL OF HONOUR
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DECADE DONORS
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LIST OF DONORS 2015-2016
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THE FETTES FOUNDATION
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THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
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Photography
Design and print
Angus Bremner
Kenneth Gray
Allan Forbes
J Thomson Colour Printers
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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.
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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.
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