The UK has a long and documented history of migration stretching thousands of years, and our culture has been greatly benefited and enriched as a result. One of the great privileges of working in inner London schools is learning from the diversity of our communities. However, there is a long way to go before we could consider ourselves a truly inclusive system. Despite out best intentions, and the significant work that has taken place to redress racial inequality over the last 70 years, there is still so much more to do.

In an article in 2022, Laura Swiszczowski at Teach First drew from other reports such as that by the Runnymede Trust to summarise the nature of racism in the UK Education system, calling on schools to be actively anti racist. A much reported on (and depressing) 2020 report from the World Economic Forum found that the vast majority of young Black British people have experienced racism at school, with one in two feeling that racial stereotypes hinder their academic achievement.

Black History month allows us an opportunity to develop the understanding that Black history is everyone’s history and something to be celebrated and embedded in school curricula. This year the theme ‘Saluting our Sisters’ showcases pioneering black women who have made significant contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more. There are a wealth of resources on the Black History Website to support schools. Racism is not an issue that is owned by schools alone, but this is an opportunity for educators to ensure future generations have a greater racial literacy. This includes finding ways to ensure our workforce is representative, and that our staff understand how bias can manifest in the work they do, as well as exploiting opportunities such as Black History Month.

Camden Learning will be running sessions during the coming year open to all school staff to explore racial bias and how it manifests in the experiences of young people. We are also excited that the renowned historian, journalist and author of the brilliant book Black and British, David Olusoga will be speaking at our Headteachers conference next February. I hope you are making plans to join us.

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning