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Thanks to the vision and campaigning zeal of far-sighted Victorians, not least Bradford's own W E Forster, every child in this country has for well over a century had the right to a free education. It has enabled millions to rise above their humble beginnings, fulfil their potential and go on to make significant contributions to society.

Such a right is not to be undervalued. Even today it should be cherished - if not perhaps by all children, who sometimes don't appreciate how privileged they are, then at least by their parents. Yet sadly there appears to be no shortage of modern parents who are not prepared to make the necessary effort to make sure that their children attend school.

Among them are Marie Pearson and John Shepherd, an estranged Keighley couple who were yesterday jailed for failing to ensure that their four children were in the classroom rather than playing truant. Their eldest son was absent from Greenbank High School for a period of 118 days while a 13-year-old daughter attended only 20 per cent of classes at Oakbank School.

The prison terms imposed on the pair, who have betrayed their children by not encouraging them to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them, should send a strong message to other parents who find it easier to be feckless than to behave responsibly. It is their legal and moral duty to make sure that their youngsters attend school, for the children's sake and for society's. They should not be allowed to take it lightly.

8:26am Tuesday 22nd April 2008

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