Schools battling surge in discrimination as 50 kids a day sent home for racism

09 March 2024 , 22:07

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Last year, there were 9,452 suspensions for racist behaviour - up from 4,889 in the last school year before Covid (Image: Getty Images)

Schools are battling a surge in racism as 50 pupils a day are sent home in disgrace, up 24% in a year.

Experts fear children developed racist views, often fuelled by vile internet content, while isolated at home during the Covid lockdowns – which were not challenged until they returned to school. Teachers mostly deal with racist language but also tackle physical attacks and race-hate vandalism. And kids increasingly make racist social media posts.

Last year, there were 9,452 suspensions for racist behaviour – up from 7,403 the previous 12 months and 4,889 in the last school year before Covid. Dr Shabna Begum, of think-tank the Runnymede Trust, said: “The figures should ring alarm bells. But punishing children through exclusions will not root out the racism that pervades schools. Racism requires whole-school and whole-society responses.”

Secondary pupils were worst for racism last year but 952 suspensions were in primaries – including two in reception, which pupils start aged four. An earlier Freedom of Information survey found staff were often victims of racist language and pupils were caught using the n-word and the p-word.

A YMCA report found 95% of Black youngsters heard or witnessed racist language at school. And a study last year found kids in Wales had hijabs pulled off. The National Association of Head Teachers wants anti-racism training for staff.

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The Department for Education said: “We expect schools to take immediate action against discrimination and are investing £10million in our behaviour hubs programme.”

Saskia Rowlands