Greater diversity in the classroom does not always lead to increased ethnic tolerance among pupils, according to a new study from the Institute of Education, University of London. The research suggests that young white people are less well-disposed towards immigrants when minority ethnic groups are doing well.

Dr Jan Germen Janmaat, of the Centre for Learning and Life Chances in Knowledge Economies and Societies (LLAKES), looked at the relationship between tolerance and classroom ethnic diversity in England, Germany and Sweden.

According to his analysis, the greater the "civic competence" of the ethnic minority children, the less tolerant their white classmates appear to be. Civic competences refer to the knowledge and skills that citizens need to participate effectively in a democratic society.