Lois Francis, ethnic minority achievement consultant, Bristol City Council.

- What is your job?

I co-ordinate a programme for talented young people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds in Bristol schools. Pupils attend weekend and after-school sessions. It was devised by the charity Windsor Fellowship and targets year 10 and 11 children who have the ability to attain five A*-level GCSEs.

I work closely with schools to prepare pupils for the programme and conduct initial interviews to make sure they know what they're letting themselves in for. We also arrange seminars to help develop pupils' personal skills and motivation.

- How do you make a difference?

We are trying to react against stereotypes, such as the unmotivated black boy who is good at sport. We do have highly talented young people but we need to show results and we can do that by working with schools and parents. Even young people who do not get the five A* GCSEs will benefit from motivation and encountering positive BME role models.