Menu
23/05/2012
Almost 88,000 Racist Incidents Recorded In Schools
The BBC has reported that almost 88,000 incidents of racism were recorded in Britain's schools between 2007 and 2011.
A racist incident is defined as, any situation perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person; these can include name-calling and physical abuse.
Data from 90 areas showed 87,915 cases of racist bullying.
Birmingham recorded the highest number of incidents at 5,752, followed by Leeds with 4,690. Carmarthenshire had the lowest number with just 5 cases.
In response to the local authority figures, obtained under a Freedom of Information request, the Department for Education said racism needed to be "rooted out".
Following the inquiry into the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence, the previous government said schools in England and Wales must monitor and report all incidents of racist abuse to their local authority.
However, the coalition government has changed that guidance and schools now have no duty to record and report the data.
Many local education authorities say that the increase in reported incidents - up until 2010/11 when the guidance changed - is due to better recording methods.
However, anti-racism charities say that it is a growing problem in many regions.
"We are seeing a real increase in racism in some areas which is down to factors like a growth of Islamaphobia in society which is filtering into classrooms," said Sarah Soyei, of anti-racism educational charity, Show Racism the Red Card.
Teaching unions say the key to tackling the problem in schools is through education for both teachers and students.
Charities have been delivering anti-racism lessons in schools across the country in an attempt to educate young people against racism.
(H)
A racist incident is defined as, any situation perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person; these can include name-calling and physical abuse.
Data from 90 areas showed 87,915 cases of racist bullying.
Birmingham recorded the highest number of incidents at 5,752, followed by Leeds with 4,690. Carmarthenshire had the lowest number with just 5 cases.
In response to the local authority figures, obtained under a Freedom of Information request, the Department for Education said racism needed to be "rooted out".
Following the inquiry into the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence, the previous government said schools in England and Wales must monitor and report all incidents of racist abuse to their local authority.
However, the coalition government has changed that guidance and schools now have no duty to record and report the data.
Many local education authorities say that the increase in reported incidents - up until 2010/11 when the guidance changed - is due to better recording methods.
However, anti-racism charities say that it is a growing problem in many regions.
"We are seeing a real increase in racism in some areas which is down to factors like a growth of Islamaphobia in society which is filtering into classrooms," said Sarah Soyei, of anti-racism educational charity, Show Racism the Red Card.
Teaching unions say the key to tackling the problem in schools is through education for both teachers and students.
Charities have been delivering anti-racism lessons in schools across the country in an attempt to educate young people against racism.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 December 2012
Scotland's Racist Incidents Rise 10%
Racist incidents in Scotland recorded by police have risen 10%, according to new statistics. The report, 'Racist Incidents Recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2011-12', showed the figure now stands at 5,389 for 2011/12, compared with 4,911 in 2010/11.
Scotland's Racist Incidents Rise 10%
Racist incidents in Scotland recorded by police have risen 10%, according to new statistics. The report, 'Racist Incidents Recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2011-12', showed the figure now stands at 5,389 for 2011/12, compared with 4,911 in 2010/11.
29 January 2004
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
01 March 2005
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
30 June 2015
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
15 November 2012
BHA Mount Legal Case Against Faith Schools
The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today begun a potentially landmark high court case aimed at halting what campaigners call the "back-door" spread of new state religious schools through England, approved by councils without residents being given a choice of alternative.
BHA Mount Legal Case Against Faith Schools
The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today begun a potentially landmark high court case aimed at halting what campaigners call the "back-door" spread of new state religious schools through England, approved by councils without residents being given a choice of alternative.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
