Why This Matters
The data, stories, and self-reflection you need to start creating a truly inclusive classroom.
Exclusion Rates
Black Caribbean and Black African students are excluded at disproportionately high rates, often for the same behaviours as their white peers.
Attainment Gaps
Many African students start school performing well but fall behind by secondary school due to lower teacher expectations and biased policies.
Teacher Bias
Studies show unconscious bias leads to 'adultification', harsher punishments, and misinterpretation of cultural norms in the classroom.
"The question is: Are African students in your school thriving, or just surviving?"
Real Stories, Real Impact
1From Students
"My teacher told me I was 'too loud' and 'intimidating'. I was just participating in class. My white friend who talks way more than me never gets told that. It made me stop putting my hand up."
Amara, 16
Nigerian British
"I got excluded for three days for 'defiance'. I didn't mean to be rude. The teacher asked me a question and I looked down because that's respect in my house. She thought I was ignoring her."
Kofi, 14
Ghanaian
"When I started at the school, I barely spoke English. The teacher kept getting frustrated with me. I felt stupid. My parents couldn't help because they don't speak English either. I just stopped trying."
Fatima, 11
Somali British
"A teacher said to me, 'You're so articulate for someone like you.' I didn't know what to say. Someone like me? What does that mean?"
Joseph, 17
Zimbabwean
2From Parents
"I went to parents' evening. The teacher told me my son was 'struggling with authority'. When I asked for examples, she said he questions things too much. In my culture, asking questions means you're engaged. She saw it as disrespect."
Nneka
Mother of two
"The school kept calling about my daughter's hair. She had braids. They said it was 'extreme'. How is protective styling extreme? They made her feel like her natural hair was a problem."
Abdi
Father of three
"My son was excluded for 'aggressive behaviour'. He pushed another boy who kept calling him racial slurs. The other boy got detention. My son got excluded. How is that fair?"
Grace
Mother of one
"Every time I ask about my child's progress, I'm told I'm being 'too pushy'. I'm not pushy. I'm involved. White parents ask the same questions and they're called 'engaged'."
Kwame
Father of four
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