Commenting on Ethnic disparities in entry to teacher training, teacher retention and progression to leadership, a new report from the NFER, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“This valuable research further illuminates the ethnic disparities in teacher recruitment, retention and progression previously highlighted in research by the NEU and others.
“Systemic racism across workplaces, including stereotypical assumptions, bullying and discriminatory pay and progression practices, is contributing to the national teacher recruitment and retention crisis. Many Black and ethnic minority teachers are now missing from the system due to these stubborn failings.
“If the Government is to reach its 6,500 teacher target then it must recognise the patterns of discrimination and adopt active strategies to correct course. That work must include significant and fully funded pay and workload improvements for all teachers.
“Inclusive recruitment practices and supportive leadership would improve the whole workforce and wider system, as well as ending exploitative practices towards overseas trained teachers. Ethnic minority teachers must be paid fairly, supported to progress, and respected and valued as professionals.”