The positive and negative experiences of black and minority ethnic students in the British education system from school through to higher education will be discussed at a conference in Bristol today [Tuesday 22 March].

A key theme of the conference, hosted by Bristol University's Widening Participation Office, will be to look at why minority ethnic students occupy different positions within the current educational system.  The conference will identify and share models of good practice used to raise the aspirations and achievement of black and minority ethnic students in both educational and community environments. 

Four undergraduate students, currently studying at Bristol University and the University of the West of England, will also talk about their experiences as they moved through secondary school to higher education.

Key speakers at the conference will be Professor Tariq Modood, who will talk about ethnicity as a resource and disadvantage and Dr Leon Tikly, who will discuss causes of underachievement in schools by black and minority ethnic students and how local education authorities and schools can tackle this issue.

Professor Modood, commenting on his presentation, said: "Ethnic minority entry into higher education is a good-news story, but problems do need to be attended to.  Some groups are badly under-represented in the elite institutions, have high dropout and low performance rates. Moreover, the possession of a degree for ethnic minorities is still not converting into an appropriate share of prized jobs."

Dr Tikly added: "Even when other factors are taken into account there remain significant differences in performance between ethnic groups, with some groups at particular risk of underachieving. 

"Achievement relates not just to ethnicity but to the impact of socio-economic class, gender and geographical location."