No Glasgow school has a BME head teacher, latest figures reveal

Glasgow does not have a single headteacher from black and minority ethnic communities (BME), a meeting was told.

The city has about 170 schools and it is understood at least 20 per cent of pupils are from BME backgrounds.

Out of about 13,000 education staff, 437 are from the BME community according to figures presented to a council meeting in 2021.

READ MORE:New Loch Lomond bylaws come into force after 'irresponsible behaviour'

READ MORE:Third and final Cardonald mural unveiled as series celebrating area's history complete

Yesterday a council meeting was told there are no BME heads in the city schools.

Read More: Glasgow city centre free bus shuttle plan faces delay as council seeks funding

Expressing concern, Councillor Soryia Siddique said: "Representation matters. Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) headteachers could provide students, particularly those from similar backgrounds, with visible role models who can inspire confidence and ambition.

"Representation at leadership levels helps students see that they too can aspire to leadership roles no matter their ethnicity or background."

Councillor Siddique had submitted a question asking what was the total number of BME head teachers to the Operational Performance and Delivery Scrutiny Committee.

After learning there are zero, the Labour deputy leader then asked what are the barriers preventing people from different communities attaining the leadership roles and what resources are available.

The council has been carrying out work to help support people from diverse backgrounds get more senior education positions. Initiatives boosting equality include principal teachers taking part in a BME programme where they receive mentoring among other support.

Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox