Headmaster’s Blog: Building Character, Shaping Futures at Finborough School
When I think about what matters most in education, my mind doesn’t jump first to league tables or exam statistics. I think of the way our pupils greet visitors with genuine warmth, of the resilience they show following a tough match, of the quiet acts of kindness I see in corridors every day. These moments convince me that character is the true foundation of success.
At Finborough School we have made character development central to everything we do. Academic excellence remains vital, but we believe that qualities such as courage, empathy, and integrity ultimately shape a life more profoundly than anything else. Our mission is simple: to help young people become not just capable students, but exceptional human beings.
A Shared Language of Growth
To give this mission structure, we use Stephen R. Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People as a common framework. These habits—be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win–win, seek first to understand, synergise, and sharpen the saw—offer a practical language for character that resonates across all ages.
It is inspiring to hear a Reception child talk about “sharpening the saw” when they explain how they balanced work and play, or a Sixth Former describe how they are “beginning with the end in mind” as they plan for university. The habits guide staff as well as pupils, shaping conversations in classrooms, on the sports field, and even in staff meetings. We are all learning to live them together.
Weekly Character Focus
Alongside the Seven Habits, we dedicate each week to a specific character theme – kindness, gratitude, perseverance, courage, honesty, service, and many more. Tutors weave the theme it into daily routines across every age group from our babies in the Nursery through to the young adults in Sixth Form.
This deliberate approach at Finborough has established and perpetuated a deep culture of character uniting our whole school family, creating a strong sense of belonging.
During a week-long focus on courage, for example, pupils discuss moments when they have faced fear, and teachers highlight courage in literature, history, or sport. By Friday, children have not only heard about bravery but have tried it—whether by speaking up for a friend, attempting a new skill, or sharing a personal story.
This simple rhythm keeps character visible and relevant. Values are not posters on a wall; they become lived experiences that pupils can name and practise.
Character Across the Curriculum
Character education at Finborough is not a standalone subject. It is embedded across the curriculum and co-curricular life. Outdoor adventures test teamwork and resilience. Music and drama foster discipline and creativity. Science lessons spark ethical discussions about technology and the environment.
Leadership opportunities are plentiful at Finborough, we encourage pupils to take real responsibility, because character grows strongest when it is exercised. Parents are partners in this journey too, through the Finborough Flyer we share each week’s theme so families can reinforce them at home.
We have created the unique ‘Learnability’ Framework over many years, allowing us to assess and grow character for learning in every lesson.
As a staff team we genuinely embody the importance of character in everything we do, championing children and young adults who show their incredible strengths, the true foundations of their future lives.
The Impact We See
The results are evident in daily life. Visitors often remark on the atmosphere of respect and confidence that greets them. Pupils listen well, treat one another thoughtfully, and approach challenges with optimism.
Academic outcomes are strong and achievements from the sports field to the stage are outstanding, but what truly excites me is the personal growth: the student who perseveres after a setback, the team that celebrates another’s success, the alumni who write back to say the habits continue to guide their choices at university and in work. One former pupil told me recently, “Whenever I face a problem, I automatically think, ‘Be proactive—what can I do next?’ That mindset came from Finborough.” Those words mean as much to me because for all of us character is the bedrock of all we achieve, the reference point of every decision we make and our guide through a changing and at times challenging world.
Lessons for Education
Our experience shows that character development must be intentional. A clear framework, consistent language, and daily practice matter more than occasional projects. And far from competing with academics, through Learnability, character supports it: when students learn self-discipline, empathy, and purpose, their studies thrive.
I often say to staff and parents alike that we are not simply preparing pupils for exams we are preparing them for life. Knowledge opens doors, but character determines how far our young people will go once they cross the threshold.
Better Never Stops
We continue to evolve—listening to our students, parents and staff, refining our themes, sharing ideas with other Forfar schools—but our core belief is deeply consistent: education is about forming character as much as imparting knowledge.
Every time I see a pupil choose kindness, take responsibility, or stand up for what is right, I am reminded why this work matters. Those moments are the real measure of a Finborough education, and they give me great confidence that our students will go on to shape a better world.
