MORE than 200 pupils were absent from Queen Anne High in Dunfermline on the first day back after the Christmas holidays.

In a newsletter to parents, rector Ruth McFarlane said that 13 per cent of the children at the school, which has a roll of about 1,800, remained at home.

Writing to parents and carers on Friday, she said: "Yesterday, we welcomed young people and staff back for the new term which we hope will be a positive and productive experience for everyone.

"87 per cent of pupils were able to attend learning in school with 13 per cent either absent due to ill health or self-isolating and therefore learning at home.

"92 per cent of teachers were able to deliver learning in the school building with eight per cent either absent due to ill health, or self-isolating and therefore delivering learning from home.

"It is important to recognise the continued resilience of our young people and our team of staff who continue to do their very best in the most challenging of circumstances."

Ms McFarlane added: "We have been very lucky to have been able to start the new term with high attendance from young people and staff."