That is according to government figures covering unauthorised absences in schools across England during autumn 2008 and spring 2009 terms.

Out of 18 secondary schools in East Yorkshire Bridlington School had the highest figure of 2.9%.

Headlands School was in third position with less than half that number at 1.2%.

Second place in the top three went to Goole High School with 2.3%.

Kent Walmsley, deputy headteacher at Headlands, said: “Attendance at Headlands School is now higher than at any time in the past 8 years and is currently in line with National averages.

“This term we have also seen another significant drop in our persistent absence rate which has halved over the past 2 years. These improvements are pleasing and we are grateful for the continuing support we get from parents to further improve in this important area”.

Sarah Pashley, headteacher at Bridlington School, said: “I am concerned about unauthorised absence at the school. If students are to achieve their potential it is essential that they have excellent attendance.”

She said supporting good attendance was a shared responsibility between the school, parents and carers and the students themselves.

“Parents and carers should ensure that holidays are taken during the school holiday period and that their son or daughter attends school unless they are ill.

“Also they should notify the school if their child is absent and give the reason,” said Ms Pashley.

The school itself had a responsibility to make teaching and learning interesting and enjoyable and students are rewarded for excellent attendance.

The students who should ensure that they attend school every day and work hard, unless they are ill or have exceptional circumstances.

She said raising attendance is a key priority at the school and several new measures had been introduced this year.

They include the appointment of a Parent Support Adviser who is working with students at Bridlington School and partner primary schools.