THE return of pupils after lockdown has brought with it some additional behavioural issues in West Fife secondary schools.

That's the view of Inverkeithing High's rector Ian Adair, who spoke to members of the South and West Fife area committee at their meeting last week.

Councillor Bobby Clelland had said figures on temporary exclusions were "quite concerning" and asked for an explanation for the latest figures.

In 2020/21, there were 56 temporary exclusions at St Columba's High while there were 18 at Inverkeithing High, 15 at Woodmill High, 13 at Dunfermline High and seven at Queen Anne High.

Mr Adair said they had seen a rise in issues after the pandemic. 

"I would say that, certainly, young people's behaviour has been markedly more challenging since their return in August," he said. "It has been difficult for young people to adjust to being back in the school environment.

"They have done very well and been very resilient in terms of doing all the things we asked them to do in terms of masks, sanitising, one-way systems.

"We have noticed, and I would say anecdotally, that there have been times when it has been pretty difficult in terms of bad behaviour and ultimately we have to make decisions."

Mr Adair said it was down to individual schools whether to make a decision to exclude a pupil.

"We try not to but some of the situations we face means we have to," he added. "I think there's a link to the situation we have been in in the last two years.

"It has been really hard for families and young people coming back and that has influenced what we are seeing on the ground."

Committee convener Alice McGarry said they were aware of the challenges faced by school.

"We appreciate what schools and teachers and families have faced and you have to be commended for carrying on. We are not through it yet," she added.