A SCHOOL has been singled out as one of the worst in the county for truancy.

Woodhouse Business and Enterprise College in Tamworth was ranked 53rd worst out of 54 Staffordshire high schools for GCSE pupils' attendance.

The Government figures are based on the percentage of half-days missed during the autumn term in 2008 and spring 2009.

According to the data, Key Stage Four pupils – aged between 14 and 16 – at Woodhouse missed 2.1 per cent of their available school time.

But interim headteacher Jill Hislop said measures were now in place to cut truancy.

"I have prioritised improved attendance as I believe strongly that children should attend school to improve their life chances in this very competitive world.

"Therefore, I have appointed attendance officers and tightened the system to ensure we monitor and support families in improving their children's engagement with their education."

The only school in the county which had worse figures was Stafford Sports College, with Key Stage Four students missing 2.2 per cent of their lessons.

But the data also revealed Tamworth's top two schools were Wilnecote High School and Rawlett High School.

GCSE pupils at both schools missed just 0.7 per cent of their available school time.

Tim Bassett, headteacher of Rawlett, said: "Obviously we're really pleased with the improvement.

"This has been a conducive team effort throughout the college.

"It's a collaboration between the college and the education welfare officers, with co-ordinated days focusing on students from Rawlett.

"Since I came to the school, there has been a real focus on attendance and we've been encouraging pupils with sports-based rewards for those who achieve 100 per cent.

"We have a points system and we go from term to term, so pupils get to start afresh each term."

Rewards are negotiated with the student council.

Last year pupils with 100 per cent attendance enjoyed a mobile skate park and climbing wall that visited the Comberford Road school last year.

Mr Bassett said: "We make the rewards very high profile.

"The activities are held in the middle of the day, so students know what they're missing out on.

"It has a real impact."

Julie Price, acting assistant headteacher at Wilnecote High School, said attendance was high because pupils feel safe and enjoy being there.

"Children who come to school are safe, happy and they truly enjoy it," she said.

"Another reason why we think we've performed so well in terms of attendance and unauthorised absences being so low is because we have a fantastic team of people who all work constantly with students to get them into school.

"We have four house tutors who do not teach and are available all day to help and support students and parents."

Miss Price also said the school's inclusion department, student support officer and home liaison officer helped out.

She added: "We are particularly proud that every child knows who they can talk to and they are aware that help is available if they need it.

"If a student turns things around they are rewarded, along with other students who achieve attendance targets, we organise rewards."

Rewards at the Tinkers Green Road school include non-uniform days for the best performing house and tickets to football matches.

Staffordshire's best performing school was Painsley Catholic College, in Cheadle, whose Key Stage Four students missed no lessons.