A grammar school has come under fire for telling pupils to "suck it up" and get to school.

An email was sent to A-Level pupils at Norton Knatchbull School (NKS) in Ashford, warning them not to miss lessons.

The message said staff are becoming increasingly concerned over the number of absences due to "illness."

Read the full message below

One parent said she is outraged with the note because it undermines students suffering from depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

Another parent said students are already under so much pressure at school and telling them to suck it up is "outrageous."

Another mum said the email was "absolutely disgusting from a school."

Susanne Staab, head teacher, said the school has addressed the situation with sixth form students and the parents who approached them.

She said: "There was an email that went to students by the head of sixth form and the intention was to remind the students of the high standard of attendance that we expect.

"The intention was not to offend, but unfortunately it has offended a couple of people and some parents have made their feelings known to us.

"But parents do feel that their child is very well supported and we feel we give a lot of support for our pupils’ welfare.

"We are obviously very sorry that it caused any offence and the head of sixth form has sent out another email explaining where she was coming from."

Mrs Staab explained that the school has a programme of support throughout the year, including access to counselling.

She added: "The School takes its students’ welfare, including mental wellbeing, very seriously.

"We have a strong pastoral support team in place which is dedicated to the welfare of all our students.

"When reviewing attendance, the School always ensures that special circumstances and medical conditions, including mental health, are taken into account.

"The school is proud of the excellent attendance its students generally maintain and monitors this regularly to ensure that these high standards are maintained.

"The School would like to apologise for any offence caused by this email."

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