HUNDREDS of pupils in Bolton missed at least four weeks of schooling in just two terms last year.

But overall, absence numbers are down, new figures show.

There were 719 youngsters who missed more than 19 days of schooling in the autumn and spring terms of 2013 and 2014 and the percentage of persistent absentees in Bolton remains higher than the national average.

However, the number of children skipping classes regularly is down, from 1,710 to 1,670.

The number of secondary school children missing class was down from 1,004 to 953, with the percentage rate of 5.6 per cent being lower than the national average.

Bolton Council said reducing school absences was a priority and that overall absences in the town had reduced.

A council spokesman said: “We’re pleased to say that overall absence rates have decreased in Bolton’s primary and secondary schools from five per cent in autumn, 2012, and spring, 2013, to 4.3 per cent in autumn, 2013, and spring, 2014.

“The number of pupils classified as persistent absentees has also seen a decrease, from 4.5 per cent to 4.3 per cent in the same period.

“It should be noted, however, that these figures are treated with caution until the full year figures are released next year, which show a truer picture of pupil absences in the borough.

“The figures reflect the national trend for a decrease in incidences and we feel this is as a result of the combined efforts of our schools and parents.

“Reducing absenteeism has become a priority for everyone concerned and, as a council, we work very closely with schools to maintain high standards and achieve good attendance records.”

The figures are a combination of both authorised and unauthorised absences.

The Department for Education does not release a breakdown of the statistics showing authorised and unauthorised.