Inequality in schools: the importance of a diverse teaching workforce

New research shows that over half (55 per cent) of primary schools in England have no ethnic minority teachers. While having a diverse and equitable workforce is vital in any sector, in education the need is especially important. Research shows that “children perform best educationally if they are taught by a diverse mix of teachers” and that “ethnic minority students did better academically with a teacher of the same race.”

A more detailed breakdown of the statistics, which come from the University of Warwick and from the School Workforce Census, can be found here.

State funded schools have a legal obligation to take steps to advance equality of opportunity and this should plainly be an aim for all schools seeking to create a fair and equitable learning environment where everyone can achieve.

We know that recruitment and retention can be a challenge for schools, as can knowing what practical steps schools can take to attract a more diverse pool of applicants. With this in mind, we will soon be sharing our conversation with Leah Morris of Wyndham James Consultancy, a specialist in diverse recruitment, and Andrew Isama, Master of Economics at Eton College. We will be talking to them about the barriers to attracting diverse candidates and how these can be effectively overcome. Both spoke at one of our recent events and they shared a great deal of practical wisdom and sparked valuable discussion, so watch this space!

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

© Farrer & Co LLP, September 2024