Preston Lodge High School headteacher Gavin Clark apologises after pupils soaked

Initial guidelines introduced by the school meant pupils were told to go outside at lunchtime and during breaks despite the downpours, with claims they were only allowed inside to use the toilets. Some pupils said they returned home wearing jackets and hoodies still soaked from being out in the rain earlier in the day.

Afterwards, Mr Clark sent a letter to families, telling them: “We very much regret the fact that many of our students got wet at break, lunch and/or in PE lessons on Monday and we have worked hard over the last 24 hours to reassure a number of parents/carers who raised understandable concerns.

“We were perhaps working too hard to meet national guidance, and on this occasion our desire to maximise student time outside and prevent large gatherings of students indoors, as per Government advice, negatively impacted on student wellbeing.”

And in the school’s PLus newsletter, he said: “We have had a really good week at Preston Lodge, after a difficult Monday. Heavy rain, combined with a challenging set of Government guidelines, led to many students getting wet on that day, but I am glad to say that today our new approach to indoor breaks worked well and, other than those who chose to go outside, everyone stayed dry!”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “All schools are working hard to implement guidance to provide a safe return to buildings. In particular, secondary schools have to minimise large gatherings within indoor spaces and encourage small groups with physical distancing outwith.

“Our schools have been clear to all parents that children and young people should come to school dressed for the weather.

“The return to school this year has been challenging and we, and our schools, are working hard to understand and apply guidance. Where we can identify better ways of working we are doing so. The headteacher’s letter was part of this process.”