The mother of a student at Thomas Clarkson Academy, in Wisbech, has been given a suspended prison sentence for repeatedly failing to ensure her son attends school.

The parent – who cannot be named for legal reasons – pleaded guilty to the offence during an appearance before King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court.

She was given a four-week prison sentence, suspended for six months, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80.

Academy principal Claire Claxton said: “It is absolutely clear that children who attend school regularly and punctually do much better at school than those whose attendance is poor.

“We must do all we can to drive that message home to children and encourage their parents to do the same.”