Above: Preston Manor website

Preston Manor, a very successful school in Brent, has particular success with African Caribbean boys and has developed a comprehensive approach to raising black achievement.

Strategies include:

• Inclusive curriculum development: All middle leaders have been expected to contribute to a working group to ensure that African Caribbean culture is reflected in every subject and in displays. Lesson observations by senior staff monitor provision for and progress of African Caribbean boys.
• Extensive staff development: Teachers are provided with research data about black underachievement. Additional training includes teacher attitudes to black masculinity and the sociology of dominant cultures and black sub-cultures.
• Literacy, oracy and pupil voice: An exciting initiative is the school’s campus radio, which provides an inclusive atmosphere, offering many African Caribbean boys the opportunity for agency within the conventional hierarchy of the school. Space is always given for discussion as a whole school when a controversial national issue or event arises, such as the Damilola Taylor trial or the Steven Lawrence Enquiry. The school is also systematic in involving parents and has an emotionally intelligent approach to behaviour management.