The Lord Silkin School in Stirchley has recorded the most improved attendance of any secondary school and also the most reduced persistent absence rate of any secondary school.

The school head Trevor Goddard was presented with two shields at a special presentation on Thursday to mark the double success by Councillor Paul Watling,

Lord Silkin recorded a 5.53 per cent drop in its persistent absence rate from a figure of 12.85 per cent in 2009/10 to 7.72 per cent in 2010/11.

The school’s attendance was also up to 91.8 per cent in 2010/11, compared with 90.62 per cent for 2009/10.

School head Trevor Goddard said: “This is a fantastic achievement by everyone connected with the school and staff, pupils and parents all deserve lots of credit.

“I am delighted that we have won two shields in this year’s Attendance awards and this is just another sign of the progress that we are making as a school.”

Also celebrating are two Telford and Wrekin infant schools – Hollinswood Infants achieved most improved attendance at primary level and Donnington Wood Infants recorded the most reduced persistent absence rate at primary level.

Hollinswood Infants received their shield from Kathy Swallow, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Service Delivery Manager for School Placements, today. She will also present Donnington Wood Infants with their shield on December 9 at 2.30pm.

Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “I would like to congratulate all the schools for their efforts in improving attendance and particularly those that have won shields this year.

“I’m proud of our record at addressing this issue locally and I look forward to further improvements in the coming year.”