Andrew Denholm and David Ross

Scottish headteachers yesterday attacked a promotional leaflet for the television talent show X Factor, claiming it puts too much pressure on pupils to attend auditions which clash with Standard Grade exams.

Yesterday, The Herald revealed that hundreds of S4 pupils are expected to be among some 10,000 hopefuls turning up at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Monday to take part in programme auditions.

Those who are successful will be called back the following day, when the English exam is scheduled, and pupils have already approached school staff asking for the day off. Heads are also concerned that pupils will be taking part in the auditions on Monday, a bank holiday, when they could be revising.

Promotional material sent to candidates in advance of the audition states: "We are expecting a huge turnout and auditions will be given on a first come, first served basis, so get there early.

"If you are successful in your first audition you will be asked back for a recall on the following date, May 6, 2008. These dates are fixed and this will be your only chance to move to the next stage in the competition."

The leaflet goes on to state that the call-back audition is the "first step to stardom" and concludes: "This audition could change your life for ever."

Bill McGregor, general secretary of the Headteachers' Association of Scotland, said last night that the Standard Grade English exam was far more likely to have a lasting impact on candidates' lives.

"It is wrong that this sort of pressure is being put on schools and parents and it is even more wrong that this is put on children at so crucial a stage of their school careers," he said.

"Standard Grade English is a key subject and a key examination and it is unfair and wrong that this event is being held so close to it. It is extremely regrettable that no cognisance was taken of this clash in dates - someone obviously did not do their homework."

However, a spokeswoman for Talkback Thames, which makes the X Factor, said the information was sent to all contestants who apply for an audition at any of five cities.

"It will be made clear to all those affected on the day that if they cannot make the second stage of auditions on the Tuesday then they will have the opportunity to come to an alternative city on an alternative date and we will endeavour to accommodate all those affected," she said.

"Minors can only audition on the day if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Anyone who comes to audition without a parent or guardian will not be seen on the day."

The row comes as thousands of pupils at more than 500 Scottish schools and exam centres begin this year's exams. More than 500 different exams will be taken in total at Standard Grade, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher until Wednesday, June 11, when the final subjects will include care and hospitality.