IF SCHOOL days are the best of your life, then two Glasgow pupils have enjoyed more than most - having never missed a day.

Clare Clark, of Notre Dame High, and Kris Gray, of Glasgow Gaelic School, have achieved 100% attendance records throughout their primary and secondary education.

Having made it to their respective West End schools despite colds and minor ailments, the pair hope to have attained 17 Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications between them when they receive their results in August.

The S6 pupils have received certificates of achievement from Glasgow City Council's education services department to recognise their remarkable academic records.

Clare, 17, of Hyndland, said maintaining her perfect record became a personal challenge, even when the temptation to stay off school was strong.

She said: "Last year, in the lead-up to my piano exams, I had a really bad cold and I wondered why I was going in, but I had 100% attendance and I wanted to keep it up.

"I had chicken pox before I went to school, and any other illnesses seem to have come on a Friday night and gone by the Sunday, or I have been ill during the holidays.

"I think I avoided everyone with illnesses. It's a coincidence I have not been ill.

"My friends think it is geeky in a way, even although I am not geeky at all."

Clare, an only child, who attended Allan's Primary in Stirling, achieved five A grades in her Highers last year and this year sat two Advanced Highers and Higher chemistry.

She has a place to study medicine at Aberdeen University and is about to begin a three-month-long job as a nursing auxiliary at Glasgow Royal Infirmary to earn money for uni.

She added: "I didn't think I had the brains to do medicine, but it is something I have always been interested in.

"Then I got my Standard Grade results and realised I had the brains, I just needed the confidence."

Rosie Martin, senior depute at all-girl Notre Dame High, said: "To achieve this level of attendance throughout her school career truly reflects the commitment and determination we have come to expect from Clare.

"I have no doubt her success will continue long after she leaves Notre Dame – she definitely won't be taking any days off!"

Glasgow Gaelic School pupil Kris also managed to escape all major illnesses to attend every day of primary and secondary, despite the journey in from his home in Giffnock.

The 18-year-old's mum, Lynn Hilley, said: "He has had to travel from Giffnock to the West End every day and sometimes the buses or transport would hold him up, but he always went in.

"He knows he has been lucky – he did get colds and things, but just went to school.

"As it got nearer and nearer to the end of his education, he realised there was a chance of perfect attendance, so he probably made himself do it."

Kris gained one A grade and four Bs last year in his Highers, going on to sit a further four last month.

He will take up a place studying psychology at the Strathclyde University.

The S6 pupil spent all his educational years in the Gaelic school's campus, having attended the nursery as a tot.

Head teacher Dr Donalda McComb said: "I have watched him grow into an affable young man. He is quite a character and I think he will do well in whatever career he goes into."

A further 14 pupils from Glasgow's schools recorded 100% attendance at primary or secondary level.

Hillpark Secondary had five students who attended every day of their secondary education: Tayyaba Binyameen, Fraser Campbell, Ryan Beattie, Usman Asghar and Gemma Gordon.

Meanwhile, Mount Vernon Primary's Ruairidh Anderson followed in the footsteps of his three elder brothers who also had perfect primary school attendance.

Councillor Stephen Curran, the council's education spokesman, said: "It's wonderful to hear we have so many committed and dedicated pupils.

"They are a shining example of Glasgow's youngsters and I think we can all learn from their devotion to learning.

"What fine citizens of Glasgow they are and a credit to their schools and families."

maureen.ellis@ eveningtimes.co.uk