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Pupils in England's state schools highly unlikely to be taught by BAME teacher

PUPILS in English state schools have a “high probability” of never being taught by a black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) teacher, according to a new report on racial equality in education.

The study by the National Foundation for Educational Research reveals that six in 10 English state schools have an all-white teaching staff, while in primary schools nearly 70 per cent have only white teachers.

The report shows that people from BAME backgrounds are over-represented among teacher training applicants, suggesting that “there is no shortage of interest in joining the profession among these groups” but that this is not mirrored in the make-up of trainees on teaching courses.

This difference “indicates acceptance rates for applicants from these ethnic backgrounds are generally lower than for applicants from white ethnic backgrounds,” the foundation says.

National Education Union joint general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: “At a time when black teachers, especially in senior positions, are so under-represented, it is unacceptable that the pipeline to teaching careers is blighted with racial disparities.”

The Department for Education said that the teaching workforce was “becoming more diverse” and that the government had introduced inclusive recruitment campaigns, tax-free bursaries and scholarships to encourage trainees from all backgrounds.

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