Figures from the department's Education Performance Report 2010 for government schools shows them sitting on 91.3 per cent, up on 2009 which was at 90.1 per cent.

The department pointed to the figures as teachers at Launceston's Brooks High School continue a roll call four times a day and immediately contacting parents if their child was not in class, in an attempt to stop students skipping lessons.

Department deputy secretary Liz Banks said there were various strategies for following up unexplained absences and attendance issues, including phoning home and sending text messages.

``Under the Education Act, parents of a school-aged child must ensure that their child attends school each day as required by the principal or receives home education,'' Ms Banks said.

She said a principal must ensure that a register is kept recording daily attendance or absence figures.

Ms Banks said the department provided advice on steps to take up to 20 days and includes phone calls and letters to remind parents of their obligations under the Education Act.

She said social workers are engaged for chronic cases of non-attendance to work with families.