John Hallworth, headteacher at Thornhill School, in Sunderland, offered to let district judge Roger Elsey in to school to see how much was being done to promote racial harmony.

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Mr Hallworth said he found district judge Roger Elsey's comments, made at Sunderland Magistrates' Court last week, "misguided and inappropriate."

During the hearing, at which two white pupils were accused of a racist attack on an Asian pupil, Mr Elsey said: "It seems to me at the moment they are not tackling the problem effectively and it needs to be tackled effectively."

The comment came as a blow to Mr Hallworth, whose school has won national recognition for tackling racism.

He said: "Thornhill has been commended by Ofsted for its work in promoting cohesion and helping young people understand, appreciate and respect diversity in our community.

"This aspect of the school's work was declared outstanding by school inspectors and has won a string of national awards. Parents' surveys also praise the way in which Thornhill tackles intolerance and helps young people work together.

"If Judge Elsey had taken the time to inquire into the school's provision I am sure he would not have made this ill-informed remark.

"I am writing to Judge Elsey to invite him to visit school and see for himself the calm and ordered learning environment maintained here."

Lynda Brown, of Sunderland Council's children's services directorate, said: "This incident involved young people a long way away from school and I know that staff took immediate and effective action, including permanent exclusion of those involved.

"Thornhill is an important part of Sunderland's strategy to combat racist attitudes.

"Only this week I have reported to children's services about an education pack produced by Thornhill staff which focuses on anti-racist messages and which is being used in schools across the country."