Truancy cards

The Lancing school is one of four in the county to try out the new system, which will include swipe cards for the pupils and instant electronic monitoring to ensure pupils do not miss lessons during the day.

It will also allow parents to check if their child is in class via the internet.

Headteacher Richard Evea said: "Firstly, it is welcome. We're really glad that we're going to be included in this scheme.

"Secondly, it's very short notice to get everything up and running for September, because there are training issues."

Mr Evea added: "What we're trying to do is use the electronic registration as part of improving the whole staff's IT skills and we plan to use it as an electronic reporting system.

"It will allow us to monitor attendance throughout the day."

He said that the system was not likely to be working fully before January, 2003.

The scheme follows a successful bid from the county council to the Department of Education and Skills for funding.

All the schools involved will work closely with the Government over the next two years as they introduce the new software to identify any trends.

Sally Greenwell, West Sussex cabinet member for education and the arts, said: "This is part of our ongoing drive to improve pupils' attendance.

"By using these electronic products, schools can identify and address any attendance problems at an early stage and so ensure children are in school and able to get maximum benefit from their education."