Disclaimer: I wasn't even alive at this point of Doctor Who history. How could I possible own it? Unless that pocket watch on my desk is actually important...

A/N: If you haven't watched any of the classic Doctor Who episodes, I should explain: multiple times in the show, it is mentioned that the Doctor's grades were not so great. This has always bothered me since the Doctor is brilliant; even compared to other Time Lords, he is always a step or two ahead. Thus, this story. Enjoy!

"Barusa, you are the boy's main teacher, what do you think?"

The experienced teacher turned to consider the Lord President of the University. "What do I think? Do you mean do I think we should promote him to the next level? No, I do not."

There was a murmur from the crowd of teachers, some in agreement, others not.

"Explain," said the Lord President.

"He's barely passing his classes."

"But he is passing," said another teacher.

"Barely," reiterated Barusa.

"He's been doing well in history," pointed out a third teacher.

"And mathematics," said the second teacher.

"His quantum physics leaves much to be desired," said Barusa. There was a nod of agreement from the physics professor. "Besides, he does not act as is fitting in a Time Lord. He is disrespectful, unfocused, undisciplined…"

"Now there I disagree completely," interrupted the third teacher.

"You what?" Barusa scowled.

The Lord President waved his hand at the other teacher, gesturing for him to continue.

"Yes, he is unfocused: completely scatter-brained. And yes, he could learn much about manners. But undisciplined? This child of Gallifrey is one of the most disciplined young men I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. How else do you think he's become the best fencer in the school? And he's been learning Venusian Akaido. Not many students have the discipline to learn such a difficult martial art. So no, he is definitely not undisciplined."

Barusa snorted in derision. The Lord President frowned disapprovingly at him and then turned back to the other teacher. "You think we should pass him on?"

"I do."

"But his grades!" protested Barusa.

"Yes! His academic grades are downright lousy, but I think for the most part, it is because his methods are completely different from all the other students. Besides, if you look at the practical tests, he has always gotten top marks, in some cases, the best we've seen in decades, even centuries."

"No one takes the practical tests seriously," scoffed Barusa.

"Because most students who excel in the practical tests already have the academic grades to pass on to the next level. This student is different. He works on an instinctual level. Think about it."

"We do not want some idiot savant part of our society!"

"He's not an idiot savant. He is different. His mind works in ways we are just not used to."

"I still do not think he would fit in as a useful part of society."

"Well, what about the Hermit?"

"What about the Hermit?" asked Barusa.

"You have not heard? The Hermit has taken him under his wing!"

There was a quiet commotion from the teachers who had not heard of this. The Hermit taking on a student, acting as a private tutor? Practically unheard of. The last time that had happened was centuries ago.

The Lord President was similarly impressed. "Barusa," he said, "your arguments against promoting the student have been heard. However, in light of this new piece of datum, and with all his other accomplishments in mind, we will promote him, and hope that he learns to conform a bit better when surrounded by older, more mature students."

"But," protested Barusa.

"Subject closed." The Lord President banged his gavel as the secretary next to him put a promotion stamp on the student's record. "Now, what about this student…"