FOUR siblings are leading calls for an overhaul of Scotland’s education system to address racism in schools.

Florence Joseph, along with sisters Madeleine and Juliet, and brother Reuben, have written an open letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney, and the Scottish Government, demanding an “extensive examination and remodel of our education system”.

A petition has also been set up by the quartet - attracting more than 6,000 signatures already - as they seek to transform Scotland’s relationship with racism.

The letter, titled “Reparation in Education: Addressing Race in Scottish Schools”, includes three key objectives which the signees are asking to be implemented: a Curriculum for Black Excellence, greater diversity of teaching staff in schools, and compulsory racial awareness training for all trainee teachers and regular training for those in schools.

The letter, from the siblings from Helensburgh, states: “We believe that this investment is not only owed by the government, but it is long overdue.“The Scottish Government has made incredible strides regarding inclusivity, especially as we are now the first country in the world to implement LGBTQIA+ compulsory learning in our curriculum.“We encourage you to, again, lead by example and support BAME communities which make Scotland our home.”

Education Scotland said the curriculum was a matter for individual authorities.

West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl said: “Florence Joseph and her family should be very proud of themselves for taking positive action to try and make a positive change to Scottish education.

“Right now our education department are focussed on trying to get as many pupils back in school as possible, but I agree that the quality and content of our curriculum is just as important as the number of pupils in seats.

“As soon as it is possible for us to do, I will be in touch to have a conversation about West Dunbartonshire’s curriculum and see if we can perhaps work with Argyll and Bute and other neighbouring areas to develop the resources we need to enhance what we are delivering to pupils across the region.”

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie added: “Serious education is needed to acknowledge our history which is why I think the initiative taken by the four siblings from Helensburgh calling for a Curriculum for Black Excellence is a very positive development.”

More than 20,000 people have signed two other petitions calling for an end to systemic racism in Scottish schools and better education on BAME experiences, while a similar campaign for British school children to be taught about the realities of British imperialism and colonialism has gathered around 200,000 signatures.