STUDENTS at Bolton's top performing school will learn about their benefactor's links with forced labour as part of steps to de-colonise the curriculum.

Bolton School revealed the action it is taking after calls for it to make changes in the wake of the Black Lives Movement, following the death of George Floyd in America.

In June, students and alumni of Bolton School penned an open latter to headteachers and governors calling on them to broaden the curriculum to "tackle both casual and systemic racism",

Similar calls to de-colonise the curriculum were made at other schools in Bolton ­— and across the country.

Among the changes Bolton School announced this week­—which marks the start of Black History Month ­— are that boys will be taught about Lord Leverhulme’s activities in Belgian Congo during the early 20th century, alongside their learning about his work at Port Sunlight.

It was thanks to a generous donation by the Lord Leverhulme which led to the formation of the Bolton School Foundation in 1915.

A Year Nine history module will now focus on American politics from the era of slavery.

There has also been staff training on the subject of diversity and unconscious bias and other areas of the curriculum have been looked at ­— and the necessity to ensure increased diversity of speakers attend enrichment or careers events has also been highlighted.

In an open statement, the school said: "The school is determined that its response to the issues raised by the BLM movement should be meaningful and have a long-term impact on the culture of the school.

"Whilst much positive change has already taken place, there clearly remains further work to be done, not least the school’s consultation on issues of diversity and inclusion."

It added: "The Foundation’s commitment to improving its approach to diversity and inclusivity remains absolute.

"We continue to welcome the contribution of alumni, pupils, parents and all other members of the school community in this work."