PUPILS in the area have one of the worst attendance rates in the country, figures reveal.

Secondary schools in Westmorland and Furness have the fifth lowest rate of attendance in England.

According to analysis of government data, schools in the area had an attendance rate of 90.4 per cent with an unauthorised absence rate of 2.3 per cent in the 2023 to 2024 academic year.

The figures come as the council described improving school attendance as a 'key priority'.

Sefton was the local authority with the worst attendance of 88.6 per cent, while Trafford's rate of 94.7 per cent was the highest.

A Westmorland and Furness Council spokesman said: "Improving school attendance is a key priority for Westmorland and Furness.

"The council has recently invested in an increase of staffing in our attendance team, and we have co-produced a revised attendance policy, guidance, and tool kit.

"We continue to work with our schools and families to ensure that barriers to attendance are removed and early indication is that together we are making a difference and remain committed to improving attendance across the school system."

New figures also suggested the number of pupils absent from school for prolonged periods of time has risen with the Government having recently announced an expansion of attendance mentoring to get thousands more persistently absent pupils back in the classroom.

Gillian Dixon, the chief executive of Teachers To Your Home, which conducted the research on attendance rates, said: “The government has set a 95 per cent school attendance target for students.

"While many individual students are meeting this goal, even the regions with the highest attendance rates are still falling short overall.

"Several areas with the highest attendance are located in the South of England, while many with the lowest attendance are found in the North. These findings are helpful in identifying which areas may require additional resources in the future, as we work towards raising the national average closer to the target. 

“While certain situations, such as illness, may be unavoidable, it is important for parents and guardians to consider the consequences of unnecessary absences, such as falling behind and missing out on important social interaction.”