Multi-ethnic schools "better for children"

Children in multi-ethnic schools have higher self esteem and experience less bullying than children in schools where everyone or nearly everyone is from the same ethnic group, say researchers.

A study by Sussex and Kent university researchers led by Professor Rupert Brown found that minority ethnic children did better in schools with children from different ethnic backgrounds, and children from the ethnic majority had more friendships with children from other ethnic groups and were less prejudiced.

The results cast doubt on policies which lead to a reduction in school diversity, such as promoting single faith schools.