Heriot’s is known for developing good citizens who go out into the world as a force for good. Through the work of the Rights Respecting groups, the Voluntary Service programme and the embedded school ethos of distributing chearfullie, pupils develop philanthropic attributes and a consciousness that involves tolerance, resilience and kindness.
The school values of work hard, be kind, be yourself, and Heriot’s sector-leading status for wellbeing, enable the school to prioritise pupil happiness and wellbeing.
As part of our new Force for Good strategic pillar, Heriot’s has created a charity partnerships programme, to build long lasting relationships with 7 key charities that fit within our newly-defined remit of ‘local, children, bereavement, refugee and community’. Our charity partnerships will become thriving two-way relationships, with school projects to raise money to support the work of these individual charities and provide facilities as required, and charities in turn being able to offer meaningful Voluntary Service opportunities for pupils. Part of this remit is to to grow active participation in Voluntary Service programme across different year groups as the curriculum allows.
Work continues with developing Heriot’s status as a Centre of Excellence for Bereavement support, in keeping with our Founder’s vision and harnessing the expertise developed over 400 years. Periodic Bereavement events are being run to share this expertise with other schools, partnering with bereavement centres in Scotland to showcase best practice.
To widen access, the school continues its quest to increase its Foundation and Bursary programme by sourcing additional financial support from donors and partners. Traditionally this has been funded by former pupil, parent donations and income from investments.
As a school, and proudly wearing our being sector leading, it is Heriot’s intention to build relationships with external organisations for mutual benefit, including sharing resources, pedagogy, learning and development. This will take the form of events and spaces to share learning with others.
Heriot’s is proud of its 400-year story of Philanthropy which encompasses supporting the children of Edinburgh at a time when Council education was charged; this story includes educating Serbian, Syrian and Ukrainian refugees over the years. It is our aim to tell the story of George Heriot to as wide an audience as possible. Events are being planned to convey greater understanding of our Founder’s transformative impact on Edinburgh.
Join us on the 27 September to see George Heriot’s in full swing.
Meet teachers, explore academic departments, hear the pipe band, watch activities, and hear from school leaders.
Importantly, hear why your investment in a Heriot’s education will give your child strong foundations for life.