THE mother of an Ardrossan Academy pupil has blasted North Ayrshire Council for phasing out study leave for some pupils revising for exams – claiming it ‘discriminates against higher attaining students’.

Nicola Brookes says her daughter Abbie, 15, who is in fourth year and studying for her National 5 exams is better able to study in the quiet of her home.

In the past, pupils preparing for exams have been able to revise at home on what is known as study leave.

But this has been phased out for fourth years who now study under supervision in class. Fifth years can still take study leave.

Nicola said: “Some parents feel this policy is discriminating against the higher attaining students.

"When they have to study in school they can be surrounded by kids that are less interested.

“We’d like to know why fourth years are being discriminated against.

"Some kids in fifth year will be sitting the same National 5 exam as Nicola, but because she is doing it over one year she won’t get study leave like the fifth years.

“High achieving kids are getting punished!” A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council, said: “The new national qualifications have meant significant changes to the exam structure which includes preparation for National 4 and National 5 exams streamlined into one year.

“It is, therefore, important that we reflect the changes and look at how our young people can be best prepared for their exams under the tighter time frames.

"After consultation with all head teachers, it was decided not to offer exam leave for S4 pupils this session.

“We feel it is more appropriate that pupils are in school maximising the time spent in class with subject specialists who will be preparing pupils for National 5 exams.

“This will include ‘master classes’ in specific subjects in the days leading up to exams.

“These arrangements will provide pupils with a productive way to spend their time in school with all resources, including staff, to hand.”