Do We Need Special Schools for Black Kids?

Government research shows that black pupils, especially those of Afro-Caribbean origin, are three times more likely than white pupils to be excluded from school.

There are two conflicting, yet plausible, explanations to this phenomenon: Either black children in general are worse behaved and less academically driven than white children, or our schools are quite simply failing the black students. Wanless suggested the latter to be the case and branded our school system “institutionally racist”.

Regardless of which explanation we believe to be true, the key fact remains: black pupils are disproportionately denied mainstream education and the subsequent life chances it normally offers. As a result, these children are more likely to resort to antisocial behaviour, smoking, drinking, taking drugs, and committing serious crimes. Furthermore, they are less likely to achieve five good GCSEs (or an equivalent qualification), more likely to be unemployed and likely to earn on average £36,000 less during their lifetimes. (The Independent, 2006)

Do we need special schools for black kids in Britain?