Stayaway pupils could be given an unwelcome ride in a school’s new truancy bus.

Harris Academy Merton, in Mitcham, will unleash a new minibus tasked with rounding up truant teenagers.

The vehicle will visit the homes of students who have not turned up for school, taking them to lessons if needed.

Rob Hunter, vice-principal at the Wide Way school, said: “We do not have a major problem with truancy at the academy, but we believe every student should be encouraged to get into school.

“Education is so important, and if some students are more reluctant to learn than others we have a duty to try something different.”

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