Race and racism

Racism in schools and colleges

Children and young people can experience racism in many different forms. This can include:

• racist comments, verbal abuse and name-calling
• ridicule because of cultural differences (such as food, dress, or language)
• distribution of racist material, racist jokes and cyberbullying
• damage to property, physical intimidation or violent attacks.

Research from Mind found that over half of those from Black and Black British backgrounds (55%) and mixed ethnic backgrounds (57%) had experienced racism at school, as had over a third (36%) of young people from Asian or Asian British backgrounds.

As well as facing racism from their peers, some young people may experience racism from adults. They may also have to deal with unfair or discriminatory processes and policies.

It's important to remember just because pupils aren’t reporting racist incidents, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t happening.

All schools have a statutory responsibility under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that pupils are not discriminated against because of their race.

How to support children and young people who have experienced racism

All schools and colleges should have a clear process for reporting and recording racist incidents. All staff and pupils should be aware of this. 

If a child or young person approaches you to talk about a racist incident, you should follow your school policy and procedure.

When discussing the incident with the pupil, you should: 

• actively listen to the pupil’s experience. Be curious and empathetic. Don’t minimise, trivialise or deny their concerns or feelings
• don’t talk over the pupil or keep linking what they’re saying to your own experience. Repeat back what they’ve told you to make sure you have understood.
• thank the pupil for sharing and acknowledge that it has been difficult for them. Tell them what you are going to do
• ensure that the pupil is satisfied with the outcome and has access to appropriate ongoing support - whether personal (friends or family) and/or professional (e.g. a school counsellor)
• Record the incident in accordance with your school’s racist incident reporting system. These notes should be reviewed regularly – look for patterns and discuss outcomes with relevant staff.

What your school or college can do to tackle racism

Schools and colleges should create opportunities to hear students’ voices, and adopt a whole-school approach to anti-racism and mental health.

Here are several tips with associated resources to help you do this.

• Make it clear that there is a zero-tolerance policy towards racism in your school. Ensure that this policy is modelled by senior leadership – call out racism clearly and firmly.
• Reflect on your school’s culture and environment to ensure that it is inclusive. Review existing school policies and identify those that may be discriminatory or that could be better used to challenge racism.
• Use tutor time, assemblies and RSHE lessons to gather student voice on racism and mental health, and to teach curriculum topics related to racism.
• Improve staff knowledge of race and racism. Provide training for staff that explores their own attitudes, biases, and perspectives, as well as the impact of racism on mental health.
• Work with staff, students, parents and carers to draft and agree an anti-racism policy.
• Set up a working group to look at diversifying the curriculum taught in your school.
• Celebrate racial and ethnic diversity in your school community through cultural exchange and marking events like Black History Month.