Truanting pupils to be named on national register under major shake-up in schools

Pupils who are persistently absent from class will be named on an official register under government plans to tackle attendance.

It's just one of the measures set to be announced in the Queen's speech on Tuesday, which Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi says will make sure pupils can benefit from 'every possible hour in the classroom'.

The national register will be a private list allowing the Department for Education to keep tabs on those kids not in school.

Under the Schools Bill, local authorities will be told to 'rigorously track' children's attendance data recorded by schools and social services and they will also have a new 'duty' to support home-schooled kids so that 'no child falls through the cracks'.

It comes after the DfE gave schools new powers to fine the parents and caregivers of persistent truants.

While previously fines would be used to fund further fines or prosecutions, the money will now be earmarked to support services to prevent truancy.

The Bill - aimed at raising education standards across the country - will also pave the way for more schools to join multi-academy trusts, which ministers claim improves learning.

Mr Zahawi said: "Our new Schools Bill, alongside the Schools White Paper, will create a school system that works for every child, parent and family, bringing every school up to our current best standards.

“We want every school to be part of an academy trust, enabling teachers to focus on what they do best - meeting the needs of every child. Schools’ approach to attendance is being overhauled to make sure every child gets the benefit of every possible hour in the classroom.

“In combination, this work will make sure every child has access to an education that they deserve and helps them fulfil