PUPIL attendance levels in Blaenau Gwent secondary schools are improving, according to Blaenau Gwent council.

Last week, the council’s executive committee were told levels are 0.2 per cent below the Welsh average compared to 1. 6 per cent four years ago.

The overall attendance for Blaenau Gwent secondary schools in 2015/16 was 94 per cent, an improvement of 0.8 per cent on the previous year and the joint second largest improvement in Wales.

Primary school attendance data shows a small increase of 0.1 per cent taking it up to 94.6 per cent and the rise has been attributed the ‘Callio Strategy’ a targeted approach introduced to schools with low levels of attendance.

Executive member for education, Cllr Keren Bender, welcomed the “good news’ for schools and the council”.

She said: “It’s no secret that pupils who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve their full potential. This remains a priority for the council as we continue to work to raise educational standards in Blaenau Gwent.”