Braco Primary School Rated ‘C (Poor)’, Immediately Appeals for a ‘C+ Because It Tries Hard’

By Kirsty Ogilvie, Education & Small Nations Reporter

BRACO — Braco Primary School, which received a suitability rating of C (poor) in a council review of the learning estate, has formally asked for its grade to be raised to a “C+, because it’s trying really hard”, as plans for a replacement school, nursery and multi-purpose hall move forward.

“I know I’m not perfect,” the building said through a spokesperson, the headteacher. “My windows stick. My radiators make a noise like a goose. One of my toilets has had an ‘Out of Order’ sign since 2009 and at this point it’s basically part of the décor. But I show up every day. That’s got to count for something.”

The school has asked inspectors to take into account a range of mitigating circumstances, including “the weather”, “the fact that nobody’s painted the gym hall since the Commonwealth Games”, and “a lot going on at home”.

Pupils have rallied behind their building. “It’s not the school’s fault,” said one Primary 6 pupil. “Sometimes the roof leaks. But sometimes I leak, if I’m sad. Nobody gives me a C.”

Plans submitted by the council show a modern replacement featuring bright classrooms, a nursery and a multi-purpose hall, the latter illustrated with an AI-generated image which some parents say “looks a bit like an airport, but in a nice way.”

The old school has reportedly taken the news well. “Look, if the new building’s better for the kids, I’m happy,” it said. “I just want to be remembered. Maybe a plaque. Maybe a small bench. Maybe they could keep the goose radiator. It’s got character.”

A public consultation on the plans runs until 29 October. The old school is understood to be writing a long, emotional letter of response, which it plans to post through its own letterbox.

The real story: Council submits plans to replace 'poor-rated' Braco Primary School with new school, nursery and hall (The Courier, 12 Oct 2026)