An Oxford college is considering the removal of a statue of 19th century politician, Cecil Rhodes, in response to a student anti-racism campagin.

Since November, students have mounted pressure on Oriel College to also take down a plaque and sign dedicated to the imperialist, who attended the college and left it funds upon his death in 1902.

Oriel College said after the student demonstration they would remove the plaque on six King Edward Street commemorating Rhodes, and would consider the future of the statue. 

A spokesman said: "The College does not share Cecil Rhodes’s values or condone his racist views or actions and we will commit to ensuring that acknowledgement of the historical fact of Rhodes’s bequest to the College does not suggest celebration of his unacceptable views and actions.

"Regarding the statue of Cecil Rhodes, the College has therefore resolved to conduct a six-month listening exercise, consulting students, staff, alumni, heritage organisations and Oxford residents on the future of the Grade II listed statue.

"In the meantime, the College will put an explanatory notice in the window beside the statue."

In response to the college's decision the campaign group, Rhodes Must Fall, released a statement last night.

They said: "We note with excitement that the pressure mounted on Oriel College this past term by Rhodes Must Fall Oxford has led the college to a decision that it will immediately remove a plaque of racist and murderous colonialist, Cecil Rhodes, from a college building, and will embark on a six month consultative process which we hope will lead to the removal of the his statue that hangs on its building above the High Street.

"We thank all the progressive Oxford students who have stood with the movement, participated in its activities and turned out to its public demonstrations."

On November 6 students gathered in Oriel Square to demonstrate against the college's statute.