For Nicol, S4 has involved a busy mix of schoolwork and rowing. He achieved eight As in his 2026 Scottish Qualifications in Accounting, Business Management, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geography, Mathematics and Physics, as well as an Academic Award for Business Management.
Rowing has taken up a significant amount of his time this year,
with ten training sessions each week and many weekends spent competing. He has
had an excellent season, placing second at Junior Inter Regionals whilst
representing Scotland and winning gold in three events at the Scottish
Championships, in the J18 coxed four, J16 quad and J16 pair. At the Scottish
Schools Indoor Rowing Championships, he also finished first in the S4 boys’
individual event and was part of the winning S4 boys’ team.
His strong performances throughout the season led to selection for
both Team Scotland U19s and Team GB, giving him the opportunity to represent
his country in the sport which he has committed so much time and effort.
Following a successful season of competition, he rowed for Team GB in France
over the summer, marking an exciting next step in his rowing career.
Fitting 10 training sessions a week around his studies, as well
as travelling to competitions at weekends, has not always been easy. Nicol says
being organised and preparing his schoolwork in advance has helped him to make
time for both rowing and his studies.
He also feels that the support from his teachers has made a difference. “The teachers are very supportive and provide great advice on how to be the best you can be and not to only focus on your schoolwork,” he says. He also appreciates the College’s encouragement of sporting excellence and the opportunities this gives pupils to pursue their interests alongside their studies.
One of his favourite school experiences was taking part in the Scottish Schools Indoor Rowing Championships at Fettes in 2024. It was the second year the College had entered, and the team came away with strong individual and team results. For Nicol, it was a chance to see what could be achieved and the potential for rowing at the College.
There has been plenty happening away from sport too. As part of the Young Philanthropy Initiative, Nicol supported the charity Sunrise Partnership. His group reached the final and won £100 for the charity. He found the experience rewarding, particularly the opportunity to improve his communication skills and to reflect on how grateful he is for his own experiences and opportunities at the College.
Feeling ready for S5, Nicol will continue to make rowing an important part of his plans. After a year of competing successfully at national level and earning Team Scotland and Team GB selection, he has plenty to look forward to. His S4 has been a great example of making the most of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.