Black Caribbeans 'less likely to be pushed by teachers'

Black Caribbean pupils are less likely to achieve academic success because of lower teacher expectations and "institutional racism", a study has claimed.

The research found that among pupils with the same academic and social status, those from black Caribbean families were a third less likely to be entered for higher tier exams at the age of 14.

The study, conducted by Dr Steve Strand at Warwick University, found teachers were less likely to push these pupils as judgments about their academic capabilities were "distorted" by perceptions of their behaviour.

Researchers said African, Pakistani and Bangladeshi pupils were also af fected. The study noted black Caribbean pupils were also more likely to be excluded from school.