S2 PUPILS at Dunbar Grammar School are to learn from home tomorrow (Thursday) due to staffing issues.

A letter was sent out to parents and carers highlighting the ongoing “significant challenges” the school faces in relation to staffing levels due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Claire Slowther, headteacher at the secondary school, said: “This week, staffing levels have meant that we have had to cover a significant number of classes and this is rapidly becoming untenable.

“Therefore, we need to take the decision to move some students to remote learning.

“For this reason, we ask that on Thursday our S2 young people learn and study remotely.

“Work will be set for students on Google Classroom.

“This arrangement is in place for one day only and we would expect that S2 students return to school on Friday.

“We really appreciate your support of this arrangement during this very challenging time for schools in the light of high levels of staff absence.

“We believe this solution will give more certainty to our students and families during this time.”

Other schools affected this week – Wallyford Primary School had one class affected and Musselburgh Grammar School S5-S6 were remote learning yesterday (Tuesday), back today, with S4 at home today (Wednesday).

A council spokesperson said: “The impacts of Covid-19 on schools remains challenging and we are working closely with our headteachers to manage the situation.

"While the majority of learners continue to attend our school buildings, it is sometimes necessary for our schools to switch to remote learning.

"We are grateful to parents and carers for their support.”