Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what measures are in place to ensure that allegations of racial bias in (a) schools and (b) academy trusts are adequately (i) investigated and (ii) monitored.

All public bodies, including maintained schools and academies, are subject to the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), which requires them to take steps to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations across all protected characteristics, including between people of different ethnic backgrounds. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published technical guidance for schools on the Equality Act, including the requirements of the PSED: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/equality/equality-act-2010/technical-guidance-schools-england.

Schools should address any intolerant, racist or discriminatory views, expressed by pupils, through their wider anti-bullying and safeguarding policies. All schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy which outlines measures to encourage good behaviour and prevent all forms of bullying amongst pupils.

Should there be any concerns about a school meeting their duties under the Equality Act, complaints can be made to the governing body of the school or the Chair of the Academy Trust and progressed through the setting’s published complaints process.

If following the complaint, there are still concerns, then a complaint can be made to the Secretary of State for Education to be investigated further.