A school criticised in an Ofsted report for high truancy levels has blamed parents for the problem, saying they do not 'valuing education'.

The report said attendance at Banbury School had declined since the last inspection in 1996 and was below the national average for secondary schools.

Staff at the school claimed that some parents encouraged truancy and took children out of school to go on family holidays.

The report said the school had not convinced parents that absence, especially unnecessary absence, affected pupils' learning.

The school was praised for its sixth-form achievements, high standards in art and social sciences and its provision for special needs pupils.

Principal Dr Hammans, who was praised in the report, said: "Even one day off can make a difference to the success a student may have.

"Out of 1,750 pupils at this school, only 70 had a 100 percent attendance record last year.

"Parents want their children to do well at school, but they must place education higher on their list of priorities."

The report said there had been a fall in GCSE standards at the school and blamed it on staffing difficulties.