Commenting on a new report by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), looking at the barriers teachers of colour face in the education profession, from entry to senior leadership, Natalie Arnett, Senior Equalities Officer at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“We are well aware that racial inequality continues to exist within the education sector, and that this can create barriers to progression. Many of the findings of this report echo what we hear from our own members, especially those within our Leaders for Race Equality network.

“Research highlighting the continued barriers to progression in education for Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals is valuable, and can contribute to the ongoing debate, but research alone is not sufficient to tackle the inequities and barriers in the system.

“What is needed are tangible actions, that support everyone in the system to feel empowered to play their part. That’s why we have repeatedly called for mandatory anti-racism training for all staff. This needs to go further than simply being aware of racism – anti-racism requires action to change and create policies, practices, and procedures to actively promote racial equity.

“This must be coupled with sustained, and concrete support from the government, who remain silent on support to improve representation in the profession, despite recognising the benefits this brings to children and young people. As this report points out, there are currently no specific government targets, programmes, or funding in England to improve the ethnic diversity of the teaching workforce. As a minimum the Department for Education should re-instate or replace the EDI hub funding it discontinued in 2020.”