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The primary school that could be the first all-black state school
Last updated at 00:07am on 25.09.07A christian private school could become the first all-black state school.
The successful primary school, which is run by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, has 118 pupils - all of whom are black. Only one of its 15 teachers is white.
And although it charges fees of £3,000 a year, the school wants to become voluntary-aided in a similar way to other faith schools, so it can help improve the academic performance of more black pupils.
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Branching out: Headmaster Solomon Senessie with some of his pupils
Under the proposal, Harper Bell School, in Camp Hill, Birmingham, would expand to include a secondary school and cater for 300 pupils in total.
It does not target a section of the community but the school's religious emphasis, staff profile and reputation would make it likely to remain an overwhelmingly black school.
More than 90 per cent of its pupils each year have been black since it was founded in 1988.
Yesterday headmaster Solomon Senessie, 50, said: "We still have to find what makes black children achieve. Here we identify with the children. It makes a difference in the minds of the children. The Government wants diversity and at the same time they want choice. Here is a good way of fulfilling that.
"I am not saying this would work in every situation but if they see a situation where it does work, like here, then it should be taken on board."
Many black parents feel their children are being failed by mainstream education.
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Harper Bell School in Highgate, Birmingham, says its success in driving up performance among black children should be funded by the public
Last year, only 36 per cent of Caribbean boys gained the benchmark five or more good GCSEs nationally compared to an average of 57 per cent. For boys of African heritage, only 44 per cent made the grade.
Research shows that black children are three times more likely to be excluded from mainstream schools than their white peers.
Mr Senessie said one reason might be misunderstanding among their predominantly white teachers.
About half of Harper Bell's pupils go on to grammar schools. Of his school's success he said: "Is it because black pupils relate to black teachers better? Maybe.
"Is it because the teachers are more aware of the pupils' culture? Maybe. I would also say that the way we promote the Christian ethos helps."
About 70 per cent of his pupils are Seventh Day Adventists. Mr Senessie added that the school is, and would remain, open to pupils of any race or religion.
"I won't be taking taxpayers' money just to promote black issues. But if people perceive this to be a school that caters well for black children, they will send them."
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination, was founded in the 1860s in the US.
It has about 25,000 members in the UK and 14 million worldwide. The name is based on the church's observance of the 'biblical Sabbath' on Saturday, the seventh day of the week.
Advent, which means 'coming', refers to their belief that Christ will soon return to Earth. Adventists do not smoke or drink alcohol and recommend a vegetarian diet.
Leaders from Harper Bell will meet education chiefs at Birmingham City Council next month to discuss plans to move into the maintained sector.
Mr Senessie said: "We want to make sure that we can cater for all who want to come here. Parents should not be at a disadvantage simply because they do not have the money to pay the fees."
Bishop Dr Joe Aldred, chairman of the Birmingham-based Council for Black-led Churches, said there were reasons why black-led schools were needed.
"Firstly, if you live in a society where you have different kinds of people, then you need those people represented in the delivery of education to pupils generally," he said.
"The second reason is the historical disadvantage of black pupils within the education system which has been documented over the last 50 years. That disadvantage has to be dealt with."
Reader views (10)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
This school represents itself as an inclusive faith school. The faith it represents is also inclusive. There is no claim that it practices any form of overt or covert race discrimination. The fact is that black children do disproportionately badly in state schools. The reason that this school is full of black children is that white parents who can afford to pay, have many more options. They can more easily find schools with a track record of high achievement for their children. This schools is a beacon of hope for black parents, so it attracts more black children.
My experience in the state sector bears this out. I passed my 11+ and was turned away by my local grammar schools. The fact that the 11+ passed one child for each available grammar school place did not prevent these schools from filling up without offering me a place. I ended up at one of the country's worst schools, and saw first hand what a culture of failure can do to the aspirations of young people.
The fact that black parents with the means, wish to avoid this experience for their children is easy to understand. I believe that if there were enough schools like this one, there would be many more white children attending them. As it is, the need is most acute in the black population, so the waiting list is probably dominated by black families.
- William Estick, London
My son goes to this school and it has never at any time represented itself as a 'Black' school, it is a Seventh Day Adventist School, which embraces children of all races and religions. It is not the school's fault that the majority of the students are black, it does not discriminate against or turn away non-black children.
Why should the school be rejected voluntary aided status because majorly black parents have chosen to send their children there? I looked at The Priory and St Georges when deciding where to send my son, unfortunately their fees were out of my price range. I chose Harper Bell, for it's Christian ethos, small class sizes and year on year increasing assessment results, which I felt would give my son a better chance of attending Grammar school when the time arrives.
Different schools work for different children. I myself attended a Church of England Primary school and gained a secure christian foundation alongside a knowledge and respect for other faiths - we must have had the requisite 10%! I then attended a single sex grammar school - great facilities.
Every parent knows their child and should be free to and have the facility to choose the school which will work best for that child. We all pay taxes, so there should be schools which reflect that which we are all looking for in education and social interaction for our children.
- Apphia, Birmingham, England
There have been all white schools for centuries catering for all white populations. People in Britain will move their children to schools in white areas to obtain the above. If multi-cutural schools were so successful why do faith-schools lead in the academic stakes. I say if we are all tax payers why can't black tax payers have a school that more represents them and the needs of their children without that being seen as inappropriate?
- Lorna, Walsall
Folks! Surely you are missing the point. Perhaps we should read and digest all that is written before giving somewhat biased views. The school has it would seem extended its invitation to join to the whole community, but the majority of those who have shown interest have been from the church the school originated from. I cannot see this as segregation nor racism and can understand why the school is willing to make the best of the situation they are in. So long as they keep the door open to all nationalities, then they are a good example of a faith school.
- Lyn Pollard, Birmingham, England
No comments from Trevor Phillips or any of his ilk. Now that's a surprise!
- Mark, south-east London
This is the thin end of the wedge. For a nation that prides itself on its "multiculturalism" this is totally hypocritical. It clearly isn't working.
I rest my case.
- Steve, London
OK so set up all white schools and see the reaction to that one. All schools should be mixed no matter what nationality, race you are as that is the only way forward and anyone who doesn't like it should leave the country...simple.
- Sarah, London
If school is meant to prepare children for the real world, then single-sex, faith, all black, or all white schools clearly fail. Let's remember also that faith is mostly imposed by parents on their children. As such it is no more than a form of socially acceptable brain-washing. Put the children first - not the adults or totally discredited PC attitudes.
- Philip, London, England
Still trying to work out how black children have been disadvantaged in the education system for 50 years?
- Roy G, Solihull, England
I want to send my daughter to an all white school, thus I am branded racist. So how is it OK to have all black schools? Our Church of England School has been forced to take 10% of its pupils from other backgrounds in order to remain state funded, so how can this school be any different?
- Steph, Ilford
