Glencorse House

Glencorse House has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and sits conveniently near to the Dining Hall and the temptations of Stockbridge village, which the boys like to visit if they can push themselves to leave the grounds of arguably the most attractive House on the campus. Along with digital piano, barbecue, tennis court, trampoline, cricket net, snooker, table tennis and pool tables, Glencorse also has its own fully equipped gym. Clem Cotterill, the first Housemaster back in 1873 would scarcely recognize the place, particularly after the spectacular refurbishments of all study areas and dormitories.

Mr Cotterill believed in well rounded individuals, stating, ‘The mere scholar is half-man, half-ghost; the mere athlete is half-man, half-beast. And I want neither ghosts nor beasts in this House.‘ This was really his way of encouraging Glencorsians to get involved in all aspects of school life. This wholehearted approach to school life is still paramount in Glencorse and these days Glencorsians are seeing success in all manner of areas, from sport through to music, drama, art and debating. This year, as you will see from the links to our very own pupil written magazine, The Glencorsian (sent to parents each term), the boys were victorious at Sports Day, Tug of War, House Debating, House Piping and Drumming, Junior House Rugby Sevens, School Talent Show and also top for academic effort in the Fourth Form. The House is strong at sport and has another rugby international this year. As well as pursuing their own busy school careers, Glencorsians are encouraged to think of others and to look beyond the Fettes community. For this reason we are the only House which puts on an annual Charity Talent Show, in which even the Housemaster, Resident Tutor and Matron's husband must participate along with every year group! The boys sent a cheque for over £600 to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in March. Parents are welcome to all such social events. So, trying to label Glencorse as the sporty House or the musical House and so on is a fruitless task: the House contains individuals with a wide variety of skills and talents who have a shared sense of purpose and common endeavour.

All age groups mix extraordinarily well in Glencorse and the happy, secure, mutually supportive atmosphere is noted by our many visitors. There is a good work ethic and a healthy balance between academic work and extra-curricular interests.

The Housemaster is Mr Simon Herbert, who was formerly Head of Modern Languages. He is assisted in the running of the House by his wife, Helen. They have two children, William (9) and Freddie (6). They are most ably supported by Mrs Ailish Rogerson (Matron), Dr John Hobbs (Resident Tutor) and an excellent team of Visiting Tutors, which includes no fewer than four Heads of Department.

The Housemaster would welcome any enquiries and would be delighted to talk to you in detail about the House ethos. He can be contacted in the first instance at the following e-mail address: sj.herbert@fettes.com