There must be greater diversity in Scotland’s teaching profession to help promote equality, MSPs will be told.

On Tuesday, a cross-party group at the Scottish Parliament, set up to tackle Islamophobia, will hear from speakers from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in a call to encourage minority ethnic students to work in the profession.

They will warn a lack of role models, cultural and societal barriers, and prejudice are deterring many from choosing teaching as a career.

According to Scottish Government statistics, the percentage of people in Scotland from minority ethnic groups stands at around 4%.

Out of a total of around 50,000 teachers, those from ethnic minority backgrounds make up just 1.4% of the workforce – 1% in primary schools and 1.7% in secondary schools.

In promoted posts – head teachers, deputy head teachers and principal teachers – individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds make up just 0.6% of the total number – fewer than 100 across Scotland.

Among BAME individuals who do become teachers, it is suggested many leave the profession due to racism they have experienced – whether conscious or unconscious.

Scottish Labour MSP Anas Sarwar, chairman of the cross-party group on tackling Islamophobia, said: “Education is not only the vehicle to break the cycle of poverty, it is also the vehicle to defeat prejudice and hate.

“Teaching a child can help educate and change a family, and it can educate and change a community.

“But that task is made harder when the teaching profession does not reflect the diversity of our classrooms across Scotland. It’s clear that we are failing to encourage BAME individuals to embark on a teaching career.

“Improving the diversity of the teaching profession to reflect our society will benefit every single school and every single pupil, ensuring the next generation of Scots learn from teachers who come from a range of diverse cultures and backgrounds.”

Khadija Mohammed, a lecturer in education at the University of the West of Scotland and chairwoman of SAMEE (Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators), said: “We know there are challenges but it is important now more than ever to work together in a more joined-up approach and explore ways forward.

“At SAMEE, we have developed a bespoke coaching and mentoring programme for BAME professionals which essentially encourages them to come together as a community and considers ways in which they can support and learn from each other to progress.

“It is important to provide guidance from an early stage in the mentee’s professional journey, placing emphasis on the value of a diverse workforce.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “We fully agree we need to improve diversity in our teaching workforce and increase the number of black and minority ethnic teachers.

“That is why we are working with partner organisations to implement the recommendations put forward in November by the Diversity in the Teacher Profession Working Group.

“We also announced last month measures to help diversify the early learning and childcare workforce.

“Improving diversity in is not just good for society, the evidence shows it benefits pupils and schools.

“We must be sure there is no bias or complacency at any level, from university admissions or teacher recruitment to promotion and progression within local authorities.”