Mind the gap! Why are black Caribbean girls underachieving in secondary education?

Abstract

Recent statistics reveal 65% of Black Caribbean female students achieved A*- C in GCSE English and Maths compared with 88% of Chinese female students. The discourse of underachievement for Black Caribbean female students has been a common feature of secondary education in the UK for decades, yet there are few studies undertaken. Instead, the overcrowded debate often leans towards boys. My research aims to explore the complexities of underachievement by ethnicity, focusing on Black Caribbean female students. My purpose is to ascertain the combination of factors that contribute to this discourse as well as drawing comparisons with high achieving Chinese female students. My findings shall determine factors that contribute to achievement for Black Caribbean female students and will recommend sustainable solutions to raise the achievement of Black Caribbean female students in secondary education in the UK.