Four in ten secondary schools are ethnically segregated, report shows

Research released by charity, The Challenge, has shown that thousands of schools across England are segregated along ethnic and socio-economic lines.

Data from all of England’s state school’s, of which there are more than 20,0000, has found that more than a quarter of primary schools and four in ten secondary schools are ethnically segregated.

Nearly a third of primary schools and more than a quarter of secondaries are segregated along socio-economic lines.

Schools are described as segregated if the proportion of ethnic minority pupils or students on free school meals is different to the proportion of pupils from the 10 nearest schools in the area

Following the report, The Challenge has since called for the government, academy chains, faith schools and local authorities to “consider the impact admissions policies have upon neighbouring schools”.

The charity has also suggested that polices are put in place to encourage better school and community integration.

Responding to the report, Jon Yates, director of The Challenge, said: “This study shows far more needs to be done to make sure school intakes are representative of local communities.

“We know that when communities live separately, anxiety and prejudice flourish, whereas when people from different backgrounds mix, it leads to more trusting and cohesive communities and opens up opportunities for social mobility.”

Yates continued: “One of the key recommendations in this report is that the government, local authorities, academy chains and school leaders should continue to promote the National Citizen Service - a programme that The Challenge delivers. NCS is a tried and tested way of bringing young people from different schools and backgrounds together to create an integrated and strong society.

“Shortly, The Challenge will be launching a new campaign - EqualNotDivided - to encourage more integrated schools that reflect our diverse society and where children from all walks of life can mix.”