Older kids on free school meals more likely to miss school

Data released by the government shows older secondary students on free school meals are far more likely to be persistently off.

A Freedom of Information request asked about children missing school - with absenteeism rates for each of the Island's secondary schools.

The data shows those in Year 10 and 11 can be twice as likely to miss school compared to younger pupils.

Figures also show those on free school meals are more likely to miss lessons, while those who have English as a second language are less likely.