Page 6 - Foundation400: After 5 years

Impact of the

Foundation

Losing a parent is extremely hard for any young person. The support that Heriot’s
can offer children who have lost a father or mother is as vital today as it was 400
years ago.

60 Foundationers are currently studying at Heriot’s. Each Foundation pupil and their
family receive ongoing support. Nothing can make up for the loss of a parent or
partner so Heriot’s strives to create a stable, supportive and inspiring environment
in which all can flourish.

As a Foundationer, all costs associated with attending George Heriot’s are covered.
Penny Clarke In addition to fees, this includes uniforms, books, school trips and more, ensuring
there is no financial risk to a Foundation child’s education while at Heriot’s.
Mother
More than this, Foundationers are supported emotionally throughout their time at
Heriot’s and, uniquely, so are parents.

Dedicated staff offer support to pupils as and when required. For some, contact
What do I remember about the application
process for George Heriot's? Not a lot, to be is intensive whereas for others it is minimal. In addition, all teachers undertake
honest. My partner had died unexpectedly bereavement training and deliver classes discussing death and loss. Heriot’s also
in June 2010, and if my eldest was to sit the runs a loss and grief education programme, Seasons for Growth, on a rolling basis.
exams for entry into S1 in August 2011,
forms had to be completed, school visits Parents have the opportunity to maintain contact with the support team and can
made and discussions had within a matter join peer support networks with other Foundation family members should they
of months.
choose.
Were we ready to go through this process?
I can't speak for my boys but I certainly
wasn't. I do remember a kind, patient
voice from Admissions talking me quietly
through the process. I clearly recall the
Admissions Team predicting all my
anxieties before gently guiding my mum
and me up a spiral staircase to meet the
Head of the Senior School. And I also
remember that this wise and funny man
had a huge box of tissues ready and
waiting for us on his desk.

This careful and respectful approach to a
family clearly in crisis continued from then
onwards - through the Seasons for Growth
programme and especially the exceptional
work the Guidance team did for us. So it's
hard to explain what my experience of
Heriot's has been like other than to say
that I too now work here, I love my job in
Early Years and can only hope that others
facing dark times such as ours will be able
to feel the same warmth as we have.
Penny Clarke, Mother

Foundation400 5 year report