TRUANCY rates at Coney Green High School have been dramatically reduced, reflecting overall improvements in academic standards, said headteacher Diana Morton at the school's annual presentation night.

Mrs Morton pointed out that levels of unauthorised absence were just a tenth of what they had been five years ago, having fallen from six to 0.6 per cent.

Falling rates proved that students enjoyed attending the school, according to Mrs Morton, who added: "This is a marvellous improvement and staff and students have created a worthwhile and supportive atmosphere for all.

"I would like to thank all staff for making our school a place where students are happy to attend."

Former pupils, present to collect GCSE certificates, were commended by Mrs Morton for their hard work and determination in attaining higher than expected grades.

Mrs Morton said: "Our students are encouraged to take a pride in themselves and in their school. Tonight we are here to let them know just how proud their school is of them. "For the second year running Coney Green students have excelled themselves. For that I would like to thank the hard-working, dedicated and committed staff who work daily to establish excellent relationships with the students."

The number of pupils achieving seven or more A-C grades was nearly twice that predicted in tests taken by pupils early in their secondary school careers.

Mrs Morton said: "This supports both the school's and the education authority's conviction that Coney Green does cater for its more able students and can encourage great achievement from students who may not have expected it."

Pupils from the school also received prizes for the best performances in individual subject areas.

Mrs Morton also highlighted Coney Green's success with pupils permanently excluded from other schools but claimed that this was going unrecognised. This, she said, was because the GCSE results of those students were now credited to the schools that originally excluded them.

The speech night followed the school's recent 25th anniversary celebrations and the original headteacher Mr John Dockrell was a special guest on the night.

Mrs Morton thanked Mr Dockrell for the caring atmosphere he had instilled at the school. That quality was still present, she added, and over the last five years had been complemented by the rise in academic standards and fall in truancy rates.