The Melville College Trust supports a wide range of school projects, clubs, and activities across Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS). Through grants and donations, it enhances the educational experience for pupils. In addition, it supports creativity, wellbeing, sport, and innovation across the school community.
Over time, the projects supported by the Trust have reflected the changing interests and needs of pupils. For example, recent initiatives include sports equipment, outdoor learning resources, music projects, wellbeing programmes, and technology grants. As a result, pupils benefit from a broader and more engaging school experience.
The Trust also plays an important role in preserving the school’s history. For instance, it supports archive projects, war memorabilia displays, honours boards, and other heritage initiatives. Consequently, current pupils can continue to engage with the legacy and traditions of Melville College.
The sections below highlight a selection of projects supported in recent years.
2024-2025 (Full Report available HERE)
During this period, the Trust supported a range of projects across the school. For example:
- N-DAPS Equipment
- JS Hama Bead Club
- JS Badminton Club
- JS Digital Learning
- MES Geography Fieldwork Equipment
- ESMS Pipe Band
- MES STEM
- SfL Orthographic Competence kit
- JS P2 Play Equipment
2023-2024 (Full Report available HERE)
During this period, the Trust supported a variety of initiatives across the school community. For example:
- Archives Medical Cabinet
- SMC Sports Hall Accessible Toilet Conversion
- Wargames Club
- New Bikes
- Flights to Malawi
- ESMS Orienteering Club Equipment Grant
2022-2023 (Full Report available HERE)
Similarly, the Trust continued to fund a broad range of projects during 2022–2023, including:
- Queensferry Road Garden
- Mountain Bike Award
- Virtual Reality Pastoral Support
- 3D Printer
- Cricket Mat
- Digital Piano
- Chinese Calligraphy
- ESMS Pipe Band
2021-2022 (Full Report available HERE)
In previous years, the Trust also supported projects linked to sport, wellbeing, creativity, and outdoor learning. For instance:
- Gardening and Eco Club for Primary 6 and 7
- Orienteering Club
- CCF
- SMC History Cafe
- SMC Wood Turning Club
- Playground Equipment for Primary 4
2020-2021 (Full Report available HERE)
Despite the challenges of the pandemic period, the Trust continued to support school activities and pupil opportunities. As a result, projects continued across several areas, including:
- House Challenge Boards
- Netball posts and court markings
- Playground Equipment
- Marimba
- Photography
- Orienteering
Sir Fraser Stoddart Prize (2017)
In December 2016, Sir Fraser Stoddart became the first former pupil of Melville College to receive a Nobel Prize. As a result, this achievement marked a significant moment in the school’s history. Following this, discussions between Sir Fraser, the school, and the Melville College Trust led to the creation of the Sir Fraser Stoddart Prize for Collaborative Research in Chemistry.
The prize recognises outstanding teamwork and collaborative research by pupils. In addition, it highlights the importance of collaboration in academic success. Furthermore, it reflects the Trust’s continued commitment to academic excellence and innovation
Sir Fraser returned to the school as a keynote speaker for Founders’ Day in June 2017. On this special occasion, he presented the inaugural prize to Andrew Ricketts and Anthony Hughes, two S4 pupils, for their exceptional teamwork in chemistry research. The award included a commemorative certificate signed by Sir Fraser and a book token for each winner, symbolising the spirit of collaboration and academic excellence.
A draft copy of the commemorative certificate is shown HERE
Previous Reports
In addition to the projects listed above, the Trust has supported many other initiatives over the years. Full reports from previous years are available below.
Continuing Support
Overall, the Melville College Trust continues to support projects that enrich school life and broaden opportunities for pupils. Through ongoing funding and support, it helps encourage participation, creativity, wellbeing, and innovation across the school community. As a result, the Trust remains an important part of the school’s continuing development.
If you wish to assist the Trust in preserving heritage, encouraging participation, and investing in future generations, visit our Donate Page.