Bannerman (left) told the Hawick News: "Teachers' jobs are hard enough without this sort of fiasco putting extra pressure on them, particularly whilst trying to introduce (CfE).

"There will be catch up games having to be played by pupils at various levels of work (right)  and to be behind already, this early in the term, is unacceptable."

In a very different scenario from that of Cedars School, Greenock kitted out with the latest iPad, it is understood the school problem arose around the school's network, which has not been refreshed for the last eight years.

One teacher said: "This has been a frustrating week and rather ironic in terms of starting Curriculum for Excellence, which is about education for the future, without access to technology."

Jackie Swanston, Scottish Borders Council's head of schools services (East) explained: "We will be working with the head teacher to ensure all the relevant support is provided to staff and pupils whose learning and teaching may have been affected by this unfortunate incident."