87,915 racist incidents in schools over five years

Statistics from 90 areas across the UK show the extent of racist bullying, including verbal and physical attacks.

In total, 87,915 cases were recorded by local authorities, following reports from schools, between 2007 and 2011, according to statistics obtained by the BBC Asian Network through freedom of information requests.

An incident can be considered racist if the victim or any other person considers it to be so, the BBC reported.

In Aberdeenshire, incidents rose by two cases from 22 to 24 and in Angus from 13 to 16 over the period 2007-8 to 2009-10.

The figures show that during this time period, Birmingham – one of the biggest local authorities – had 5,752 cases, the highest number recorded, followed by Leeds at 4,690.

At the other end of the scale, Carmarthenshire recorded just five cases.

The Department for Education (DfE) said there was no room in modern society for racism, and that schools have powers to deal with abusive pupils.

The impact of racial abuse can be “devastating”, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said, adding that the figures were “hugely disappointing”.

The BBC’s figures show in 2010 the numbers of recorded racist incidents in schools in Scotland, England and Wales rose to 23,971, up 1,686 from 22,285.

NAHT general secretary Russell Hobby said: “The impact of racial abuse can be devastating. Schools need to remain places of optimism and belonging for every student.

“We urge our members to go beyond recording, reporting and compliance, to really focus on the culture and ethos of the school and its community to tackle incidents of racial abuse head on.”

Show Racism The Red Card spokeswoman Sarah Soyei said: “Unfortunately, the numbers of recorded racist incidents are just the tip of the iceberg.

“Racism is a very real issue in many classrooms around the country, but cases of racist bullying are notoriously under-reported.”