London schoolboys recognised for long-term attendance record

The long-term attendance of two schoolboys in London has been recognised by local authorities in Kingston upon Thames.

Alexander Mackie and Ryan Arnold, who both go to school in New Malden, have not missed a day of school for five years and as a result have received a mayor's medal, which rewards pupils who have not had a day of absence for a year.

There are rumours suggesting some pupils in London have not missed a day of school for ten years or even longer, but the official confirmed record remains ten years and this was set over 100 years ago.

Ming Zhang, strategic manager for pupil attendance, told the BBC: "Because any absence, even one with a very good reason, will prevent a pupil receiving the mayor's medal, it is extremely hard to achieve five years' 100 per cent in a row."

In related education news, the chancellor, Alistair Darling, has announced that an extra half million children will become eligible for free lunches over the next two years.

Posted by Harriet McGowan.




Published On 11/12/2009