Parents have been warned against taking their children out of school in the run up to the summer break after concerns about soaring absence rates prior to the Easter holidays.
A Sunday newspaper reported that absences approached 50 per cent in some Scottish schools on March 31 and April 1 this year at the end of the spring term.
One education expert claimed that a number of schools were "like the Marie Celeste" ahead of summer and Easter holidays as parents take their children out of class early.
The paper cited absences of 49 per cent at St Mungo's Academy in Glasgow, 40 per cent at Ayr Academy and 36 per cent in East Dunbartonshire's Turnbull High.
Paisley Grammar had 14 per cent of pupils authorised to be out of school but an unauthorised absence rate of 43 per cent- suggesting the majority of the schools 880 pupils were absent as the Easter break approached. More than a fifth of pupils were recorded as unauthorised absences in dozens of schools.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman said the figures were worrying and added: "Many parents feel they have to take advantage of cheaper holiday offers which fall into term time.
"Young people are missing out on thousands of hours of valuable teaching every year".
A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said the education authority prioritised attendance and added: "Schools, pupils and parents all have an important part to play in making sure attendance levels are maintained throughout the school term - including the run up to any holidays".
While some English councils impose fines on parents if children are absent during term time, Scottish education authorities have not tended to pursue such policies.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said it was up to councils to decide whether to impose sanctions over pupils who are absent during term time without good cause. She added: "The Scottish Government will continue to support local authorities, schools and parents to do all they can t ensure good attendance in addition to our considerable investment in raising attainment."
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