From playground taunts to classroom bias, racism starts long before adulthood.
Across Britain, thousands of children are being judged not for their ability, but for the colour of their skin. Evidence shows that from early years settings to secondary schools, racial bias quietly shapes who is labelled “disruptive”, who is believed, and who is given a second chance.
The reality in our schools:
Recent data show that children from Black Caribbean backgrounds face significantly higher rates of permanent exclusion than White peers. In the borough of Bury (Greater Manchester), for example, the local authority’s Scrutiny Report on Attendance & Exclusions (2022) shows exclusion rates that warrant scrutiny.
The official local government page on school exclusions in Bury also outlines the processes for fixed and permanent exclusions.
A mother from Bury recently shared:
“My son was excluded for defending himself after being called the N-word. The school said both boys were equally to blame.”
This reflects concerns about how “persistent disruptive behaviour” is cited — sometimes masking deeper racial and social inequalities.
📄 Read the report:
- Bury Council: Scrutiny Report – Attendance & Exclusions (24 Nov 2022)
- Bury Council: School Exclusions Guidance
- LG Inform: Permanent Exclusions Data
The cost to Education:
Being excluded from school has far-reaching consequences: lost educational attainment, increased risk of joblessness or involvement with the criminal justice system, and significant public‐service costs. National statistics show the rate of permanent exclusions and how it varies by ethnicity.
Solutions:
- Mandatory anti-racism training for all school staff, not just optional CPD.
- Curriculum reform embedding Black British history and global contributions year-round.
- Implementation of restorative justice approaches in schools that centre understanding and accountability rather than purely punitive action.
Call to Action:
Every child deserves to feel safe and valued in their learning space.
📢 If you’ve experienced or witnessed racism in education, share your story. Change begins with truth.