Our summer term and academic year came to a close with a fabulous Founder’s Eve Concert and Founder’s Day celebrations – a fitting farewell to our Leavers of 2025.

The Founder’s Eve Concert on Friday was a feast of music and song, and this year included some audience participation!  The rendition of ‘Don’t Stop me now…’ played superbly on drums, guitars, bass and piano – was one of an eclectic range of songs that stirred hearts and minds of all who were there; clearly all were indeed ‘…having such a good time’!

On Saturday in a packed marquee on the Queen’s Lawn our Head, Mrs Helen Harrison, gave her Founder’s Day address reflecting on a year of many ordinary, extraordinary and remarkable experiences, successes and achievements. Mrs Harrison also spoke about what makes Fettes so special – being surrounded by the extraordinary; the buildings and grounds of our great campus in the midst of this fine capital city; the hugely dedicated and talented people that are intrinsic to the successful running of the school and the opportunities available for Fettesians in ways that will never happen again in their lives.

In speaking directly to the 2025 Leavers, Mrs Harrison said: “What I am always most proud of is the calibre and character of the young people we send out into the world. You have made your distinct mark on this place during your years here and we wish you well for the adventures that lie ahead. I want you to leave today, bearing in mind that even when you’ve convinced yourselves that you’ve been slogging through an ordinary day, all of you have achieved and will keep on achieving extraordinary things.”

The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of Governors, introduced the Guest of the Day – OF Dr Chang Ho Yoon (Inv-Mo 1998-2006) – a specialist in Digital Health and AI who shared a fascinating insight into the development and integration of AI across all walks of life, and the balance of human expertise sitting alongside it. Reflecting on his time at Fettes, he shared the importance of enjoying what you do and throwing yourself into everything that Fettes offers, citing that were it not for the inspiration of his teachers at Fettes and their wise words of encouragement he might not have pursued some of the things in which he has flourished and excelled.

Following the presentation of prizes for outstanding achievements, and an entertaining rendition of The Vive-La by Heads of School Rory B and Laura T, all were in good voice in the singing of Floreas Fettesia, which concluded the morning’s proceedings.

Founder’s Day 2025 came to a perfect close in the afternoon with our outstanding Pipe Band Beating Retreat on the Head’s Lawn in glorious sunshine

View official photographs (on Flickr) of the Founder’s Eve Concert and Founder’s Day