Letter from the Chairman, March 2009
The formation of the Edinburgh Academy Foundation as the School’s fundraising arm was a far sighted decision of the Court of Directors under the Chairmanship of Ian Percy. The Foundation has already helped to generate substantial funds for capital projects, notably the James Clark Maxwell Science Centre, completed in 2006. It has also generated a good flow of legacies to support the Academy in many ways, and I am delighted that Ian Percy continues to play a major role in this aspect of the Foundation’s work.
Today, the Foundation is more critical than ever to the success of the School. Many of you will be familiar with the changes to charity law in Scotland: all independent schools are being reviewed by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) to assess whether they meet the new test of what it means to be a charity in Scotland. The Academy’s charitable purpose and its public benefit in the delivery of education are not in doubt. Where there will be pressure is in the assessment of whether we do enough to mitigate the effect of the fees we charge for those who could not otherwise afford them. In short, this means bursary provision, and the Court of Directors, with the Foundation’s help, plans to increase the amounts we can make available.
The Academy has never been a well endowed school and although the bursary and scholarship fund has been established, the levels of fee support it and our other income we can give need to be supplemented. The main ways of doing this will be:-
Use of some of the proceeds of the 2007 sale of the Boarding Houses, to supplement bursary and scholarship funds.
Annual giving by friends of the Academy – academicals, past and present parents, and the whole range of other supporters of the School.
Legacies designated to support bursaries.
Those of you who have been in the School recently will have noticed major developments – following completion of the James Clark Maxwell Science Centre, we took possession of an all weather pitch and brand new nursery and after school centre at Arboretum Road in late 2008; and in early 2009 we have seen the completion of the new Performing Arts Centre, dance studio, PE classroom and other facilities in the old science labs. By August 2009 we will have built two full size all weather hockey pitches on the new field extension. Funding for all of this has been possible through the proceeds of the sale of the Boarding Houses. We are working on identifying future priorities for the development of the School’s properties, but we know that this will all cost more than the remaining funds at our disposal, so capital appeals to support specific projects are to be expected in future.
The Academy’s future as a co‑educational day school is now clearly mapped out. The Court is firmly of the view that retention of the School’s charitable status is a matter of absolute priority in the best interests of the School, not only for financial reasons, but for what it says about the ethos of the School and the motivation of those involved in it. Your support – at whatever level – will be much appreciated.
Simon Mackintosh
Chairman of the Court of Directors and
Chairman of the Edinburgh Academy Foundation
Annual Report
It is with great pleasure that I write my fourth yearly update on the work of the Foundation; four years which I admit have flown by and have been very enjoyable.
Friends of the school who have been reading my “appeals” over these years may feel there is nothing new to say, but for those reading this Bulletin for the fi rst time let me report there is a lot to be excited about: we have a new Rector, lots of new girls, new buildings and a positive buzz about the place which is discernible. Even in these somewhat financially depressing times there is so much to be glad about, and I know that parents and staff agree that we are going into another academic year on a real high.
And now down to business...
With all the challenges facing us we are more determined
than ever to put the School where it belongs as the very best
co-educational day school in Edinburgh. Facilities expected
of this type of establishment must be the best, and I am
sure you are all aware that the Court is driving forward a
steady stream of new building and refurbishment projects;
all of these improvements are an absolute benefit for our
children but naturally come at a high cost. The Academy
is not a richly endowed School and the fundraising work
of the Foundation is crucial in supplementing funds for
discretionary spending.
Just think...
Please take a moment to read how you can be part of our fundraising efforts, no matter how modest the amount: purchase a piece of sports equipment, make a commitment to a small monthly sum, or think about contributing to a Bursary.
I realise that not all those reading this will feel they can afford to make a contribution, but bear in mind that if your child does need something extra in the future then the funds available are made possible by the work of the Foundation and the generosity of those able to help.
Latest News
A first time donor sent £10,000 for “Academy Sport” whilst one of our regular supporters handed over £10,000 to be used by the Court to improve Senior School facilities.
A parent gifted £2000 to the Learning Support department; Brenda Bellis said “it’s a bit like winning on the Lottery”
An Accie sent £1000 “in support of Sciences”
A single gift of £10,000 made buying the Cricket nets and slip cradle possible
Progress
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Wish List
Last year our Wish List did not achieve every single item, but many of our requests were met;
Bursary fund
The Bursary fund continues to grow largely due to the kindness of many of our older supporters who see the wisdom of helping less privileged youngsters;
Annual fund
The Annual fund, which is supported mostly by current parents, continues to increase year on year.
JVL
Lastly my thanks to all who responded to the Bursary fund which was initiated as a leaving gift for John Light; I’m happy to report we have raised over £12,000 and cheques are still coming in. The Foundation door is always open and coffee is available if you would like to find out more please do call.
Lorna Duncan
Development Director