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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."
