While pupils at Larbert High School were sitting crucial exams rector Neal McGowan, who is leaving for an Oxford school at the end of term, was attending a three- day conference on the exotic Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.

Put up for four nights at the five-star Mauritius Hilton Resort and Spa, it is thought around 20 head teachers from the UK attended the
event, at a cost of £40,000 to the taxpayer.

One parent said: "As a parent with two children at Larbert High I am absolutely astonished and outraged to discover that the rector has abandoned his post and is living 'la Vida Loca' in five star luxury, part paid for by the school, during the most important time of the year
for pupils and staff."

The event was organised by iNet – an international network which allows schools from around the world to meet and share ideas. It is run by Government-backed charity the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT).

The cost of sending Mr McGowan to the event, where he gave a presentation, is thought to be around £2000, £550 of which came directly out of Larbert High's devolved training budget, the rest paid by SSAT.

The rector, who leaves for a new post at Cherwell School in Oxford at the end of the month, was said to look 'bronzed' when he returned to work on Monday.

Another concerned parent said he had no idea the rector had been absent during the exam period. He said: "Having just found this out I am perplexed as to what the school will gain from sending Mr McGowan, who is leaving soon, on such an elaborate development course. Is this really the best use of the school budget?"

Falkirk Council officials defended the decision to allow Mr McGowan to attend the conference, Ann Carnachan, head of school improvement, said: "Mr McGowan was invited by the conference organisers to present at the conference and to share his knowledge and experience. He attended in a formal capacity as head teacher of the school and was granted leave to attend by the director of education.

"Mr McGowan is leaving Larbert High at the end of the school session to take up a new post in England and we wish him well with his new appointment."

Yesterday (Wednesday), Mr McGowan said: "The conference was a great opportunity to share professional experience and ideas with a mix of educational specialists from across the globe.

"It was a great professional achievement to be invited to speak at this event where I received much interest in some of our educational practices from the local area.

"I was very pleased to represent Larbert High and as is the usual practice, certain expenses were covered by the school. The majority were covered by event organisers."

An SSAT spokesperson said: "If our education system is to become world class, then we need to look at other countries and discover innovation and improvement wherever it can be found.

"This working event provides the opportunity for school leaders from around the world to identify the skills and knowledge young people need to succeed in the 21st century and support the global economy."