A charity has called for more diversity to be included in the national curriculum to promote racial inclusion in schools and prevent children from being left behind.

Based on the datasets of 152 local authorities, the report by the Centre for Young Lives identified the areas with the highest and lowest ranking school inclusivity rates, with Merton scoring highest and Halton lowest based on calculations of the smallest attainment gaps and lowest suspension rates.

According to the research, children from some ethnic minority groups face ‘disproportionately negative experiences and outcomes’, causing them to be at greater ‘risk of exclusion and lost learning’.

The report also identifies regional disparities amongst inclusive school systems, with schools in London demonstrating better outcomes than those in rural local authorities.

Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, said: ‘Our analysis reveals an inclusion postcode lottery. London is powering ahead – with children more likely to go to schools with low rates of exclusions, school absence, and attainment gaps for vulnerable children.

‘Despite local disparities there are signs of hope too - non-inclusive school practice does not happen everywhere and there is a new wave of inclusion emerging.’

To reform the education system, the report urges Government to use the Curriculum Review as an opportunity for change, emphasising the importance of greater representation, a racially inclusive culture, as well as more diversified curriculum and workforce in the education system.

Jason Arthur, CEO of Mission 44, said: ‘Too many young people - especially those facing disadvantage or discrimination - are not getting the support they need to be able to thrive at school.

‘We urgently need policymakers to support school leaders by publishing official guidance on inclusion and an accountability system which holds schools accountable for who they serve, measured not just by results, but by belonging and opportunity for all’, he added.