A HARDWORKING schoolgirl has achieved 100 per cent attendance for her entire academic career spanning over a decade.

GCSE pupil Joanne English has never missed a day from Darlington schools Reid Street Primary and Hummersknott Academy since beginning reception up until recently completing Year 11.

“We are over the moon with what she has done”, said her father Simon English.

“She even had full attendance at nursery!”

The outstanding 100 per cent attendance was never necessarily a target for Joanne, but just something that happened naturally for her, Mr English said, adding: “She was never one of those kids that didn’t want to go to school.

“Even when she woke up feeling ill she wanted to go in.

“It reflects great on the school too that children are this willing to attend, especially when there are kids that don’t go to school and hang around town instead”.

Joanne, one of four children, plans to continue her love of education by pursuing a childcare course at Darlington College.

She is not pushing for university yet as her father says they have not planned too far ahead.

“As parents we are extremely proud,” he said.

“School is an experience.

“You’re there Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm; the same hours as some people’s work.

“But school days are the best days of your life.”