Racism ‘still an issue in English schools’

This included name calling, comments, jokes and stereotyping of different races.

These attitudes were not restricted to pupils, as almost a third of those questioned (31 per cent) said they had seen similar behaviour among teachers.

In some cases, they used racist terminology, or had lower expectations of ethnic minority pupils.

The study, by anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card, supported by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), is based on a survey of 148 teachers, plus interviews, pupil observations and a research journal.

It aims to investigate the issues of racism and inequality in the education system.

More than a third (39 per cent) of those questioned said they had not received any training in tackling racism.

The vast majority of teachers surveyed (93 per cent) said that if they saw a racist incident they would feel that they could report it.

But it adds: “There was evidence of a lack of action against racist attitudes and behaviour and a lack of understanding of the mechanisms and reasons for reporting racist incidents.

“The research highlighted a reluctance to report incidents which were considered a first offence or where it was felt that the racism was unintentional.”

The report also says: “In the majority of cases where action is taken it is purely punitive. This does not address the underlying issues and may breed further resentment.”

It calls for teachers to be given training in tackling racism, and for pupils to be given the chance to express their views and learn about ethnicity and diversity.

The chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card, Ged Grebby, said: “The research highlights that there is a huge gap in the current teacher training provision when it comes to preparing teachers to tackle racism and embed equality.”