A report commissioned by the Mayor of London has found that black teachers are still under represented in London schools and that recruitment has virtually stalled.
According to figures released by the Mayor today the number of new black teachers increased by just 0.3 per cent in 2005. Mayor Livingstone said it was important that the capital’s schools “reflect the community they serve.”
“Two years ago we underlined the need for more of London’s teachers to come from minority ethnic communities to reflect the fact that more than a third of London pupils come from minority ethnic communities.
Since then we have seen steps forward in the recruitment of black teachers, but at the current rate it will take far too long to have a truly reflective teaching workforce.”
The report – Black Teachers in London – will be formally launched at the fourth London Schools and the Black Child conference, the annual event founded by London MP Diane Abbott.
Speaking today Ms Abbott said “the recruitment of black teachers remains an important issue and I believe they have a vital role to play in helping black children succeed.” She also called for a “policy focus on the disproportionate numbers of black pupils being excluded or labelled ‘Special Education Needs.”
According to the report there is a large gap between the numbers of black students and teachers. Lambeth and Southwark have some of the highest levels of Black teachers – 16 per cent to 18 per cent – but these figures are dwarfed by a black student population of almost 50 per cent.
This year’s conference, takes place on Saturday 9 September 2006 at the QEII Conference Centre, Westminster.
In addition to Mayor Livingstone and Ms Abbott speakers include London Schools Minister Lord Adonis, the 2005 winner of BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ Tim Campbell and DJ Trevor Nelson.
