A damning report from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has concluded that Fettes College, a prestigious boarding school in Edinburgh, "shamefully" failed to protect its pupils from widespread sexual, physical, and emotional abuse spanning four decades. The inquiry, chaired by Lady Smith, found that children were "wholly failed" by the institution, with abuse occurring from the 1950s until the 1980s, leaving lasting trauma for many victims.
Systemic Failures and Abuse Details
Lady Smith's report, published on Wednesday, detailed how pupils at Fettes College endured severe mistreatment, including sexual abuse by staff members, excessive physical punishment, and emotional torment. She emphasised that the school could have readily protected children, but instead, a "culture of silence" prevailed, where victims feared retribution and ostracism if they complained.
Perpetrators and Leadership Failures
The inquiry identified specific perpetrators, including a former headmaster, Anthony Chenevix-Trench, who was appointed despite known issues with alcohol and a propensity for excessive beating. Chenevix-Trench had previously been head of Eton College, and Fettes hoped his appointment would enhance its reputation, but he was deemed unfit for leadership. Another named individual is Iain Wares, currently facing extradition proceedings from South Africa over abuse allegations.
Racism and Gender Discrimination
Beyond abuse, the report highlighted racism at Fettes well into the 21st century, with mocking of non-British individuals normalised and incidents like mock slave auctions for charity continuing into the 2000s. After the school became co-educational, girls were treated as "second-class citizens," and a "sexualised culture" persisted both before and after this transition.
Apology and Current Culture
Fettes College has issued an unreserved apology to those affected, with Lady Morag Wise, chairwoman of the governors, stating that the behaviour described is "utterly unthinkable" today. The school insists that its current culture of safety and welfare is "unrecognisable from the past," though the inquiry's findings underscore profound historical failures.
Legal and Social Impact
The inquiry's revelations have led to significant legal repercussions, including a £450,000 damages award to an ex-pupil in 2022. Laura Connor of Thompsons Solicitors, representing several victims, described the failures as "extraordinary." The report forms part of a broader case study on boarding schools, urging reflection on child protection standards in educational settings.
