Almost a third of Borders schools in 'poor' condition

by EWAN LAMB

More than 4,000 Borders pupils are being educated in buildings which have been rated 'poor' in the 2021  report on the condition of Scotland's school estate, with 17 of the region's 59 primaries and three out of nine secondary establishments showing major defects or being in need of continuous repair.

The statistics show that while overall just 9.7% of Scottish schools have a C (poor) rating, 28.8% of Scottish Borders Council's primary schools have been deemed unsatisfactory along with a third of the region's secondaries. 

At the other end of the ratings only eight (13.5 per cent) of Borders primaries receive an A=Good although five high schools (55.5 per cent) have been awarded top marks.

The report from the Scottish Government explains that the condition of a school is based on the following criteria, as assessed by local authorities: 

"Condition A: Good – Performing well and operating effectively (physical element carries out function totally as new including consideration of the transverse elements); Condition B: Satisfactory – Performing adequately but showing minor deterioration (physical element carries out function satisfactorily, may show signs of age and including consideration of some transverse elements); Condition C: Poor – Showing major defects and/or not operating adequately (physical element does not carry out function effectively without continuous repair, shows signs of age) and does not consider most of the transverse elements".

According to the SNP Government the national educational estate is in a better condition than it has ever been. They say: "The new statistics have revealed 90% of facilities were in good or satisfactory condition in April 2021.

"The figure stood at 61% in April 2007, with the improvement also seeing the percentage of pupils taught in good or satisfactory schools increase from 61% to 92% over the same period. This is accompanied by a 77% fall in the number of pupils educated in schools in poor or bad condition. 1,000 schools have also been ‘substantially’ refurbished during the last 14 years (2007-08 to 2020-21)."

But the data for Hawick and Galashiels, the two largest towns in the Borders, appear to be at odds with the national trend. Every school in Hawick, and the large majority of educational facilities in Galashiels are rated 'poor'. The exception in Galashiels is Langlee PS with an A grade.

Across the region 2,600 primary pupils - based on 2019 school rolls - are 'housed' in 17 inadequate schools with a further 2,000 secondary age children receiving their education in the 'C' rated Galashiels Academy, Hawick High School and Selkirk High School.

Here are the individual ratings for each Borders school with pupil numbers in brackets:

Primary sector:

Ancrum - C (40); Ayton - B (89); Balmoral - C (115); Broomlands - A (241); Broughton - B (51); Burgh - C (195); Burnfoot - C (252); Channelkirk - B (31); Chirnside - B (173); Clovenfords - A (120); Cockburnspath - B (36); Coldingham - C (68); Coldstream - C (131).


Denholm - A (102); Drumlanrig St Cuthbert's - C (314); Duns - A (300); Earlston - C (141); Eddleston - B (33); Edenside - B (297); Ednam - B (35); Eyemouth - C (337); Fountainhall - B (11); Glendinning Terrace - C (77); Gordon - B (63); Greenlaw - C (50).


Halyrude - B (84); Heriot - B (23); Jedburgh - A (376); Kingsland - A (337); Kirkhope - B (20); Knowepark - B (239); Langlee - A (236); Lauder - B (234); Lilliesleaf - B (59); Melrose - B (299); Morebattle - B (53); Newcastleton - B (55); Newlands - B (67); Newtown - B (106.


Philiphaugh - B (110); Priorsford - B (423); Reston - B (40); Sprouston - B (17); St Boswells - B (137); St Joseph's - B (22); St Margaret's - C (69); St Peter's - C (235); St Ronan's - B (256); Stirches - C (107); Stow - B (76); Swinton - C (65).


Trinity - C (213); Tweedbank B (174); Walkerburn - B (25); West Linton - A (227); Westruther - B (29); Wilton - C (196); Yarrow - B (13); Yetholm - B (41).


Secondary schools:


Berwickshire High - A (647); Earlston High - A (1,086); Eyemouth High - A (492); Galashiels Academy - C (837); Hawick High - C (787); Jedburgh Grammar - A (350); Kelso High - A (592); Peebles High - B (1,318); Selkirk High - C (400).