Braeview Academy's recent HMIE report has been greatly cheering news and of great credit to Brenda Hadcroft, the Head Teacher, all other staff and the pupils, parents and wider school community.
Obviously, Braeview is not in my ward area, so why this comment? Back in 2003/4 when I was the Convener of the Education Committee, I paid several visits to Braeview around the time of the previous - and critical HMIE report - and I was impressed - thoroughly impressed - by the determination of all at the school (including the then acting Head Teacher David May, a long standing friend and colleague and now LibDem councillor on Angus Council) to move the school positively forward.
In March 2004, I was quoted in the local press as follows:
Council education convener Councillor Fraser Macpherson added, “We are now looking to the school pushing ahead.
“I have been impressed by the spirit and determination shown by all the teachers, managers and pupils to turn this situation around. Already real improvements have been made.
“There is still a lot of hard work to be done and I am sure everyone concerned will be working together to ensure the inspectors will see a real difference at Braeview on their return.”
Well, they did. Congratulations Braeview!