Absentee pupils soars in new count

THE number of Oldham students persistently skipping school has more than doubled — following a change in the way the Government measures truancy.

New figures show 2,299 children missed at least 15 per cent of lessons in the last autumn and spring terms — the equivalent of a month’s worth of education. Ministers said schools were taking action “simply too late”, so decided to widen the definition covering the worst truants.

So-called “persistent absentees,” used to be considered those missing at least 20 per cent of classes. Ministers lowered the threshold to 15 per cent earlier this year. By lowering the cut-off point, figures have soared nationally.

In Oldham, the old 20 per cent level saw 971 children persistently failing to attend school over the two meaured terms. Under the 15 per cent rule, the number has increased to 2,299. The percentage of students skipping school in the borough is 6.8 per cent, compared with 7.4 per cent across the North-West and 7.2 across England.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “It is unacceptable that more than 450,000 pupils are missing the equivalent of a month of lessons a year. Even one day missed from school without very good reason is one too many.”

Oldham has truancy patrols in and around the town centre throughout the year. There is also a Fast Track to Attendance scheme, which provides 8-12 weeks of support to families.