A five-fold increase in the number of racist incidents in Merton schools over three years has sparked concern.

According to figures released by the council, 136 episodes of racist behaviour were logged in 2008-09 compared with just 24 in 2006-07.

The authority said the figures could not be compared due to changes in the way data was now collected, but opposition councillors claimed not enough was being done to address racism in schools.

Councillor Maxi Martin said: “Saying information is being gathered differently is always a convenient way to gloss over an issue, but this needs to be put higher up the agenda.

“I don’t think this authority is taking the issue of racism seriously enough. More and more people from different communities are coming into Merton and the process of making them feel welcome and integrated has to start in our schools.”

But Merton Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Debbie Shears, said: “Although figures appear to have risen over the last year, this does not mean there have been more racist incidents within our schools.

“We have been actively encouraging children to report any incidents and have put in place the mechanisms to ensure that they are fully supported while doing so.

"A greater number of reports means that our children are using the new systems and it also demonstrates a greater awareness of the issues around racism.”

Any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person, as defined in the 1999 Macphearson Report, is logged by schools as a racist incident.

Racist incidents in Merton schools: 2006-2007: 24 2007-2008: 88 2008-2009: 136