PARENTS of three students at Thomas Clarkson Community College have been fined for failing to ensure their children attend school.

The Wisbech school has launched a crackdown on truancy, with three more prosecutions due to be heard in court next month.

One mother, who pleaded guilty, was fined �65, ordered to pay �40 costs and a �15 victim surcharge at King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court this month.

Another parent admitted a similar charge and was a given a one-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay �50 costs. She was told to work with the Education Welfare Officers and social services to ensure her child attended school.

The father of the same child failed to attend court but magistrates found him guilty in his absence. He was fined �300 with �150 costs and a �15 victim surcharge.

A parent of a third child also pleaded guilty and was fined �235 with �150 costs and a �15 victim surcharge. None of the pupils or their parents can be named for legal reasons.

Principal Maureen Strudwick said: “I am delighted with the firm stance taken by the court. This sends out a very clear message that it is unacceptable for a child to miss school without good reason.

“They miss out on vital learning at a particularly important stage of their lives.”

The prosecutions were all brought by Cambridgeshire County Council.