PARENTS of six more pupils at Thomas Clarkson Community College have been prosecuted for failing to ensure their children attend school.

One was fined �350 with �420 costs after pleading not guilty, while a second was fined �350 with �150 costs after admitting a similar charge.

A third was given a 12-month conditional discharge with �50 costs, and a fourth pleaded guilty by phone and was fined �150 with �150 costs.

A fifth was given a 12-month conditional discharge with �100 costs, while sentencing on the sixth was adjourned until 6 March.

All the cases were heard at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court. None of the defendants or pupils can be named for legal reasons.

The prosecutions follow similar cases brought by the College in October and December of last year and January of this year.

Thomas Clarkson 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.”