A world-famous author has waded in on a now-national debate about a school's refusal to accept period pain as a reason for student absence.

J. K. Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter book series, posted on X in response to Neale-Wade Academy in Norfolk's announcement that it will no longer accept certain phrases from parents.

The March school said it is now refusing the terms 'ill', 'poorly' or 'unwell' as well as 'period pains' (without medical information) and 'has a cold'.

In a letter sent to parents and guardians last week, the school said the change is in place with immediate effect.

"Communications made using these and similar terms will be recorded as unauthorised," added the letter.

J. K. Rowling has since tweeted: "Girls must prove that their uterine cramps are painful."

(Image: X/J. K. Rowling)

In recent days, the story - which first broke on the Cambs Times - has also been covered by global LBC Radio and the Daily Mail.

When asked what parents should say when reporting an absence, the school said: "as much detail as possible about the reason for the absence".

A former student said: "J. K. Rowling tweeting about my old secondary school is not what I expected this year tbh." 

(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)