Truancy levels

Fewer children are skipping school in Swindon than they were in 2008.

New figures from the town's Council show Swindon is now one of the best performing areas when it comes to Truancy.

The figures show in Primary schools in Swindon absence figures are at 4% compared with 5% nationally.  That makes Swindon the 8th lowest in the country, out of 149 authorities.  In Secondary schools absence was 6% compared with 7% nationally, putting them at 3rd lowest in the country.

The Council are putting it down to a number of things including truancy patrols and better awareness of how skipping lessons has an impact on grades.