Oakham School has pledged "try even harder" and review its current practices, with "frank and open" discussions as it seeks to stamp out racism.

The move comes as the controversy over the Black Lives Matter Protests and the death of George Floyd has led to what Headmaster Henry Price has described as "some discussions online relating to racist behaviour by former pupils."

Mr Price says the school prides itself in "its tolerance and international diversity," and what he read was "with shock and sadness." For clarity, he continued, references to a headteacher dismissing the concerns of an individual did not take place at Oakham School.

Oakham School teaches children from nearly 40 different nationalities and already has measures in place for dealing with intolerant behaviour, he said in a post on the school's website.

The headteacher continued: "The current online conversations have, however, ignited our resolve not to be complacent and try even harder.

"This begins today with a frank and open discussion with our pupils during their tutor time. This will continue, over the coming weeks ahead with a full review of our current practices- taking into account the views of current and former students and staff, along with anyone in the wider community who has already of who in the future, contacts us directly."

Mr Price added: "Today we encouraged our pupils to always strive to be better and to be confident to act when they see things that could be improved. We as a school, will do the same."

Stamford Endowed School also says it is committed to 'taking actions' to change the behaviour and actions of its students following allegations of racism.

In a similar post on the school's website, this week, principal Will Phelan said the school has had to "confront the reality of racist behaviour among some members of our community."

Mr Phelan said he had read shared messages and was "upset and tremendously disappointed that students here might hold these views."

"I felt particularly sorry for the young woman who spoke out, and she should be proud of her behaviour for doing so."

The school's current programme, he continued, did not do enough to 'engage' students, and he was determined the school would do better.

In the past few days, the school had spoken to former pupils and their parents whose lives had been affected by 'racist attitudes' and the school needed a "culture shift, in how we educate our pupils about diversity."

Mr Phelan said racism is not always overt and "we all carry biases within us, and many of us express these biases without even being aware of them."

The school would further talk to pupils about their experiences and the change needed with a programme that over time would change the attitudes and behaviour of students, so all can feel they are treated fairly and inclusively-"not just in terms of race, but in gender, disability and religious belief."

Actions would include training staff to ensure "tackling discrimination is a priority for all our managers."

"Ensuring that embedding awareness of race and diversity is a priority in every element of our programme: not just in our social and pastoral education, but throughout our academic and co-curricular offering."

Staff and students would be given support to "challenge racism and discrimination", the school would work with other schools to develop best practice, pupil's knowledge would be tested on the issue, pupils ambassadors would be trained to support their peers, and the school would work with parents to 'consolidate these messages."

Mr Phelan added: "We recognised that the lives of BAME students are unquestionably affected by racism, and that affects in turn their educational experiences. We have a duty to ensure that all Stamfordians are part of a fully-inclusive and truly diverse society, where everyone feels welcome."

Oakham Nub News tried to contact both schools for further comment in recent days.