New research from the University of Warwick shows over 80% of schools in York and North Yorkshire have no ethnic minority teachers, almost double the national average.
The report shows primary schools in York and North Yorkshire are among the worst in the country for teacher diversity, with 82.4% and 81.2% of respective schools having no teachers from an ethnic minority background. Over half (55%) of primary schools have no ethnic minority teachers. The research shows the number of ethnic minority teachers entering the profession has stagnated. Pupil to teacher ratios in England are now among the highest in the OECD, as problems with wider recruitment and retention issues grow. Recent statistics show the government have consistently missed teacher training targets, with record number of educators quitting the workforce in 2023.
The research also found that nearly a third (30%) of primary schools had no male teachers, with almost a quarter (23%) of schools in England having only white female teachers.
Assistant Professor Joshua Fullard of Warwick Business school, who tracks this data annually, said this year’s results showed the situation is not improving: “Diversity in the classroom matters. We know ethnic minority students and young boys are missing out by not having teachers that represent them. This will worsen existing gaps in attainment and inequality in adulthood”.
“This data shows the highly limited progress being made on diversity in the classroom, with slow progress in achieving a representative pool of teachers. With recent research showing 3 in 10 teachers would be better off financially if they quit, it’s hardly surprising the pool of potential teachers is shrinking every year”.
City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council have been approached for a comment.