Elite Private School Ignored Sexual and Physical Abuse for Decades
A recent report from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has revealed significant and disturbing findings about Fettes College, a prominent private school in Edinburgh. The inquiry, led by Lady Smith, documented cases of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse that occurred over several decades, highlighting a culture of neglect and silence at the institution.
Fettes College: A History of Abuse Ignored
Established in 1870, Fettes College was initially a boys-only boarding school that became co-educational by 1983. Over the years, the inquiry uncovered that the school failed to protect pupils from abuse, which flourished largely unchecked until the late 1980s. Living conditions at the school were described as basic, with inadequate staff oversight contributing to the problem.
Key Findings of the Inquiry
- For at least four decades, children experienced sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
- Staff members, including headmaster Anthony Chenevix-Trench and teacher Iain Wares, were implicated in the abuse.
- Multiple former students reported incidents of abuse from the 1950s through the 1980s.
- A culture of silence and fear prevented victims from speaking out.
Lady Smith emphasized the systemic failures that allowed these abuses to persist. “Children were wholly failed by the school,” she stated, stressing that timely action could have prevented much of the suffering reported by victims decades later.
Notable Abusers and Their Backgrounds
The inquiry identified key figures involved in the abuse. Iain Wares, who taught at Fettes from 1968 to 1979, had a troubling history before arriving in Edinburgh, which included previous warnings about his behavior. Despite being referred for treatment of what was described as a dependency on young boys, he continued to abuse students during his tenure at Fettes.
Similarly, Anthony Chenevix-Trench was criticized for protecting known abusers. Despite his troubling history at Eton College, he was appointed head of Fettes College. His leadership did not align with the standards expected of educational leaders.
Culture of Silence and Misogyny
The inquiry also revealed that a pervasive culture of silence contributed to the ongoing abuse. Victims feared retribution and social ostracism, which silenced many complaints. Furthermore, the introduction of co-education led to instances of misogyny, where female pupils were treated as second-class citizens.
Addressing the Past
Following the inquiry’s findings, the current leadership at Fettes College has publicly acknowledged past failures. Lady Morag Wise, chair of governors, offered an unreserved apology to the victims of abuse. The school is now committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of its students.
In light of the inquiry, the school aims to foster a culture of safety that contrasts sharply with its historical failures. It acknowledges the grave mistakes of the past and asserts a commitment to preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Encouragement for Reporting
Lady Smith concluded that the inquiry remains open to new evidence, encouraging individuals with information about past abuses at boarding schools to come forward. The ongoing investigation reinforces the importance of accountability and the need for transparency within educational institutions.
