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The Scottish Government has said it is working towards a more diverse school workforce after it emerged there are no teachers from ethnic minority communities in top positions.

Figures highlighted by the Liberal Democrats reveal there are no black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) heads or deputy heads, and just 18 BAME principal teachers out of 5,403 in Scotland.

Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesman Liam McArthur said: “It is almost beyond belief that there is not one single BAME teacher occupying any top position in any school in Scotland.

“Despite tens of thousands of BAME pupils in primary and secondary schools up and down the country, there are no BAME head teachers or depute head teachers. There are only a small number of BAME principal teachers – some 18 out of a total of 5,580 secondary school principal teachers.

“It remains too often the case that those holding top jobs in most sectors are not reflective of the diverse nature of our society.

“By better reflecting our diversity at primary and secondary education level we can make a positive change which lasts for generations.

“This is a staggering revelation. It warrants a detailed response from Scottish ministers.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Working with local authorities the Scottish Government wants to see a diverse workforce at every level, from the classroom to school leadership.

“We are ensuring that the new masters qualification for headship – mandatory from 2018/19 – is fully equality impact assessed so that it is fair and accessible for all.”