Written question asked by Lord Gove (Conservative) on Monday, 1 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 February 2010. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 25 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

GCSE: Truancy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many pupils classified as persistent truants gained five GCSEs at A*-C including English and mathematics in the latest year for which figures are available.

Answer: Latest data which matches absence with attainment data is available for 2008 and relates to persistent absentees rather than 'truants'.In 2008, 7.2 per cent. of persistent absentees in state funded secondary schools attained five or more GCSEs at grade A*-C or the equivalent, including GCSEs in English and mathematics. In 2007 this figure was lower with 6.4 per cent. of persistent absentees attaining five or more GCSEs at grade A*-C or the equivalent, including GCSEs in English and mathematics in state funded secondary schools.The available information relates to persistent absentees, who are defined as pupils missing approximately 20 per cent. of possible sessions for the relevant statistical reporting period. On an annual basis this threshold is 64 or more sessions of absence, (authorised or unauthorised) during the year. (On a two term, autumn and spring basis, the threshold is typically 52 sessions). Unauthorised absence is defined as absence without leave from a teacher or other authorised representative of the school. This includes all unexplained or unjustified absences, such as lateness, holidays during term time not authorised by the school, absence where reason is not yet established and truancy.

Secondary information