The workforce in England’s classrooms does not reflect the ethnic diversity of the children who learn in them. With colleagues, I have just completed an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded project looking at this mismatch, its possible impacts, why it arises and what can be done to improve the situation. In general, the existing and prior evidence on this topic has tended to be weak and partial. Much of it is only descriptive with no comparators, small-scale and tends to focus on the US where the situation is very different to England. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.