- Edinburgh Academy Apologizes for Historical Abuse
- Allegations of Brutal Abuse and Misconduct at the School
- Apologies from Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College for Allowing Abusive Staff to Continue Teaching
An Edinburgh private school has apologized for “brutal and unrestrained” historical abuse.
Twenty Edinburgh Academy faculty members were accused of misconduct.
A child was struck with a cricket bat, another student suffered a “small bleed on the brain,” another child was strangled, and boys were paid to swim nude.
Wednesday was the last day for closing statements at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
The preponderance of available evidence dates between 1954 and 1995.
Nearly fifty witnesses have testified, including broadcaster Nicky Campbell, who discussed the harassment he endured in public.
One former teacher, Iain Wares, was characterized as “one of the most prolific abusers in Scottish criminal history” by a survivor’s attorney.
Wares is presently facing abuse charges in his home country of South Africa and is appealing an order to return him to Scotland.
Police Scotland verified that they were investigating allegations involving the school.
In 2000, corporal punishment was outlawed in Scottish private schools, but witnesses testified that “disproportionate sadistic violence” and a “culture of fear” pervaded the school in the 1970s.
Edinburgh Academy acknowledged the “brutal and unrestrained” violence and confessed “serious sexual abuse was widespread” in an apology.
It expressed regret that police were not called in the 1970s to deal with Wares. He was instead referred to Fettes College, where he went on to work.
Wares and colleague teacher Hamish Dawson, who passed away in 2009, were identified publicly during the investigation.
Fettes College also issued an apology for permitting Wares to continue working despite allegations of abuse, due to a psychiatrist’s intervention.
Both institutions stated that they were implementing mandatory reporting, while the General Teaching Council for Scotland stated that it should be viewed as a “learning opportunity.”
Andrew Brown KC stated that Edinburgh Academy had a “military mindset” and that “staff camaraderie” contributed to the “normalization of deeply abnormal behavior, including beatings and voyeurism.
According to testimony presented at the hearing, students were required to select their punishment and then approve it.
Alan McLean KC, representing the Edinburgh Academy Survivors group, reported that nine former students committed suicide.
Mr. McLean stated, “Other schools did not operate in this manner; corporal punishment posed a danger.” This was a distinguishing feature of Edinburgh Academy.”
In the mid-1990s, efforts were made to implement self-evaluations and policies at the school.
Some staff described child protection training as “irritating” and “depressing,” the hearing was told.
In 2008, the school became a coeducational day school.
It has committed to recognizing child maltreatment as part of its bicentennial celebrations in 2024-25 and has established an online reporting portal for students.
Mr. McLean stated, “Edinburgh Academy failed its students in terrible ways.”
“According to victims, disproportionate and inhumane corporal punishment was prevalent in the 1970s.
Punishment was based on inability rather than rule-breaking.
He stated that Dawson’s “unusual methods of punishment were celebrated when he retired” and that Wares committed “sadistic sexual violence.”
Additionally, he described how staff would observe or “flick” students in the showers.
The hearing was told that violence and homophobic bullying were also prevalent among students.
Mr. McLean stated, “Student-on-student sexual abuse occurred, including multiple instances of penetrating rape and forced masturbation.”
According to his testimony, the long-term effects had left students with PTSD, depression, failed marriages, and trust issues.
Fettes College apologized to its students for allowing Wares to continue teaching after it contemplated firing him in 1975 but was persuaded by a psychiatrist to let him continue.
In 1979, he was discharged and returned to South Africa.
“Concealed in plain view”
Graeme Watson, speaking on behalf of the school, stated, “Fettes acknowledges that his employment should have been terminated promptly.
This is a complete and unreserved apology from the school for the abuse that occurred at Fettes.
Calum McNeill KC, representing Edinburgh Academy, stated, “Physical abuse was brutal and unrestrained; it was unacceptable even though corporal punishment was legal at the time.”
“It is evident that beatings did not constitute punishment.
“Abuse of power, belittling, and calculated creation of a culture of fear – for no apparent reason or a patently false pretext.”
“Severe sexual abuse was pervasive and went undetected.
“Conduct was ‘concealed in plain sight,’ with the perpetrators gaining satisfaction from it.
“Some boys who were socialized developed a preference for sexual abuse,”
“It is acknowledged that there were likely many more victims than we have direct evidence for.
“The atmosphere of fear and constant vigilance against injustice is something of which the school is deeply ashamed.”
The right of appeal
It expressed regret for having recommended Wares to Fettes College.
Mr. McNeill added, “He should have been charged with a crime and had no contact with children.”
Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC stated in a statement that she is “acutely aware” of the impatience with the length of time it has taken to extradite Wares to Scotland to face charges.
She added that “significant efforts” had been made to prosecute Mr. Wares in Scotland.
Ms. Bain stated, “We were informed in 2020 that the extradition had been ordered, but that the accused’s surrender would be delayed due to pandemic travel restrictions.
“We later learned that he had utilized his right to appeal.
“The appeals process in South Africa differs from ours in terms of timing and methodology.
“It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this proceeding, which is currently and appropriately being handled by South African judicial authorities.”
