Eight parents have been fined – the highest £784 and the lowest £90- for not sending their children to school.

All eight have children at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. Some of those before the courts were given parenting orders to ensure future compliance.

Principal Clare Claxton said: “It is not the ccademy’s intention to make life miserable for families but there is undoubtedly a direct link between improved achievement and increased levels of attendance.

“The aim of taking such action is to improve the life chances of our students whose attendance is poor.”

Court proceedings have resulted in:

•A parent of a Year 11 student given a £784 fine

•A parent of a Year 11 student given a £150 fine

•A parent of a Year 10 student given a £150 fine

•Parents of a Year 11 student given £195 and £165 fines

•A parent of a Year 11 given a £165 fine, plus a 12 month conditional discharge and a 12 month parenting order

•A parent of a Year 11 student given a £90 fine and a 12 month discharge

•A parent of a Year 10 student given a 12 month parenting order

•Parents of a Year 11 student given a fine of £165 and a 12 month parenting order.

Martine Boyd, education welfare officer for the Brooke Weston Trust, which oversees the running of Thomas Clarkson Academy, said: “Thomas Clarkson Academy has been working to improve attendance and the decision to instigate legal action is taken as a final stage.

“Since September 2015, there have been several prosecutions resulting in parents receiving a criminal conviction for failing to ensure regular school attendance.

“There are several further cases listed for court proceedings in the coming months.”

Parenting orders may require parents to attend counselling or guidance sessions were they receive help on how to deal with the young perso.

This could include, for example parenting skills, managing the young person’s behaviour, how to respond more effectively to challenging adolescent demands, and ensuring they attend school regularly.