SOME pupils at a Newport school are failing to make the grade because they spend so much time out of lessons.

Inspectors said the rates of attendance at Duffryn High School have improved since it was last reviewed.

But they warn a number of pupils at the 1,300 pupil school fail to achieve standards they are capable of because they are away from school so much.

Attendance averaged 85.9 per cent last year with unauthorised absences averaging 6.3 per cent - a figure inspectors said was "clearly unacceptable" and "significantly higher" than the national average.

And the number of stay-away pupils means although standards being achieved by students is satisfactory in 97 per cent of classes and good or better in 54 per cent - others are failing to achieve because they don't go to enough lessons.

In their report the inspectors found a "substantial minority of pupils across the ability range fail to achieve the standards of which they are capable by absenting themselves from school too often and/or for extended periods of time".

And they stressed the figures were particularly disappointing because the school has put in to place many appropriate actions to try to improve the situation.

David Snashall, head teacher, said the school was working hard address the problem.

But he said parents had to play their part: "It's clear we need to work with parents on this situation. We need to create a climate where all students can see the benefits of regular attendance in school and want to come."

The school has also introduced a string of initiatives to solve the truancy problems, including:

* Bringing in an outreach worker who provides a link between the school and the community;

* Carrying out first day absence calling, regular monitoring of attendance and patterns;

* Staging spot-checks;

* Stressing to parents the importance of regular attendance.

Mr Snashall said: "We have had a very good response from parents who like to be kept informed about what is happening.

"If more students turn up as they should we could be a very good school."

Ofsted inspectors agree the school is trying to solve the problem. In their report they said it was "a continuously improving, good school".