A BOLTON-based academy trust, which oversees three schools has said it will consult with pupils and staff over the curriculum in light of the growing Black Lives Movement.

It is the latest school in Bolton to look at the curriculum after calls by pupils to "decolonise" it.

Bishop Fraser Trust, which governs Canon Slade, St James' CE High School and Bolton St Catherine's Academy says it "strives" to ensure its pupils develop into the "tolerant, respectful and empathetic young adults".

Last week, a former headboy of Canon Slade ­— one of Bolton's outstanding schools ­— penned an open letter in light of recent and ongoing events surrounding the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Kingsley Jones wrote: "Teaching young people about the leading role that Britain played in the global slave trade, about the persisting ramifications of our colonial history, and about the ways in which racism has become institutionalised and systemic in every aspect of British society is vital to maintaining the 'Christian values of compassion and love for one another' which Canon Slade rightly prides itself on. The very exclusion of this material from the National Curriculum is indicative of a eurocentric attitude that seeks to brush the shame of Britain’s colonial history under the rug."

He said that "more needs to be done by schools throughout the country to combat the deep-seated prejudices built into the way our society currently functions".

The letter has been signed by students and alumni.

As reported on in The Bolton News earlier this month, Bolton School is also to consult over the curriculum after calls from students and alumni.

The Bishop Fraser Trust said that it would respond to the letter at trust level because it was an important matter for all its schools.

It also added that it appreciated that current and former students were able to share their thoughts on this with the school.

Tania Lewyckyj, Chief Executive Officer of the Bishop Fraser Trust, said: " The headteachers and I are currently looking at these really important issues raised by the letter and from a wider perspective from the Black Lives Matter campaign.

"We aim to ask our current pupils, families, governors, trustees and staff what they would like us to do before we make any decisions or changes to our curriculum or policies. Our mission to promote ‘life in all its fullness’ in our family of schools requires us to ensure every child feels valued and cared for.

"We constantly strive to create a culture where this exists for all and to educate our children to become tolerant, respectful and empathetic young adults."