A CITY academy is taking to the roads to track down pupils playing truant.
Djaongly City Academy has leased a Nissan car to step up its campaign against absenteeism.
Attendance officers will drive the marked car to the homes of youngsters who regularly miss classes.
With around one in seven pupils persistently absent, the academy hopes the thought of it turning up outside their home will deter truants.
Two new members of staff have also been recruited to the attendance team.
Head teacher Andy Kilpatrick said: "The vast majority of the academy's students have excellent attendance records but we do have a hardcore of students with poor attendance histories.
"Absence should be an exception but I'm sorry to say that for some it has become far too frequent and this will have a damaging effect on their education and career prospects when they leave school.
"We want students and their parents, or carers, to be in no doubt about how seriously the academy takes attendance. Adults with responsibility for their children are also responsible for ensuring they attend every school day."
Department for Education figures show that more than 14 per cent of the school's 1,538 pupils are persistently absent, more than double the national average.
Persistently absent students miss 15 per cent or more of half days.
Now, the academy has had enough. It is considering leasing a second car and will be reviewing the scheme's success this term.
Pupils backed the move. Shamsa Qureshi, 13, said: "It's important we attend school and take advantage of the education we are offered. But some do miss classes and I think this will make them want to go to school more."
Jose Da Costa, 13, said: "If that turned up outside your home, you'd be embarrassed, so I think it's a good idea. The thought of it will make you want to come to school."
Lucia Petronzio, 12, added: "I wouldn't want it outside of my home."
Kate Leatham, 12, said: "It's a brilliant idea. Anything which encourages kids to go to lessons is good."
Tkya Taylor, 12, agreed, adding: "You need to go to school but some do miss lessons. This will encourage them not to."
