THE proportion of pupils who were persistently absent from schools in Oxfordshire has risen slightly compared to the previous year.

New figures released by the Department for Education showed that of the 43,845 pupils enrolled at state funded primary, secondary and special schools in the county in 2014/15 3,015- four per cent- were persistently absent.

The Government defines persistent absence as a pupil missing 15 per cent of their total lessons across the school year.

In 2013/14 persistent absence rates in the county stood at 3.8 per cent and in 2012/13 the figure was 4.7 per cent.

The English average for the past year was 3.7 per cent.

Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for education Melinda Tilley said she was satisfied schools were dealing well with the issue.

She said: "It depends on the circumstances, for example a child could be absent due to a family illness.

"We do need to pick up on those who are constantly absent rather than worrying about statistics.

"Generally I am happy that schools are doing what they need to be doing to tackle any issues."