Role-model call for ethnic pupils

MORE must be done to improve the achievements of ethnic minority pupils in Oldham, according to a council task group.

One idea is to create more role models by making sure teachers are more representative of the community.

University Campus Oldham could be asked to develop an education degree to attract those who don’t become teachers because they do not want to study outside the borough.

The council is also being urged to fund a scheme, similar to a successful project in West Yorkshire, to raise the aspirations of under-achieving pupils whatever their background.

The report by the five-strong group found that although GCSE results are improving, Oldham is not narrowing the gap with other local authorities.

The report added: “Anecdotal evidence indicated that education attainment was low among some sections of the community due to the lack of role models for some pupils.”

Findings will be presented at the council’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.