Bristol academy worker wins race discrimination damages

David McLeod was working on a project to boost the grades of ethnic minority students at the academy, when he was overlooked for promotion

A black development worker has been awarded £14,000 after suffering racial discrimination and harassment at a Bristol school.

David McLeod, 38, was working to boost ethnic minority students' grades at the City Academy, but was overlooked for promotion in 2012.

His claim for racial discrimination was upheld by an employment tribunal.

The academy apologised to Mr McLeod and said there were now more opportunities for staff to progress there.

Mr McLeod said the case has "never been about the cash" but about letting the school know "what they were doing was wrong."

'Sense of sorrow'

Mr McLeod was working on a project designed to help black and other ethnic minority students with their grades. Seven out of every 10 students at the academy are from ethnic minorities.

An investigation into practices at the school found other black staff on the project were also passed over for promotion, while three white managers were appointed.

A tribunal later ruled Mr McLeod received less favourable treatment because of his race.

Academy principal Gill Kelly said: "We are deeply sorry and extending our sense of sorrow to those involved, particularly David.

"We've learnt from our mistakes and we're moving forward in terms of setting up an equalities working group."

Bristol civil rights campaigner Paul Stephenson described it as a "landmark judgment in education" in the city.