19 October 2011 Last updated at 14:46 ET

Thousands 'persistently truant' Youths

More than 450,000 school pupils in England persistently missed lessons in the autumn term of 2010 and the spring term of 2011, official statistics show.

orderly classroomInstant school punishment urged

Pupils in England should punished as soon as they break school rules, even for minor transgressions, the government's adviser on behaviour warns.

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