In this blog, we hear from Yasmina Koné, Deputy Lead at Hemisphere Education, on how schools can turn the momentum of Black History Month into everyday practice.
Each year, Black History Month offers an important moment to celebrate the achievements, creativity and contributions of Black people in the UK. This is particularly important at a time when conversations about belonging and identity are increasingly divided.
It’s a reminder of the shared histories and connections that continue to shape how we live together today.
Black History Month is also a time for reflection. To ask ourselves what inclusion looks like in practice, and how we can extend the visibility and recognition offered in October throughout the school year.
Inclusion begins with insight – policies set direction, but impact comes from understanding people’s real experiences. That’s the principle behind Hemisphere’s work. Our award-winning racial literacy programme helps school’s close gaps in outcomes and experiences for Black and minority ethnic pupils. 60-minutes of annual CPD provides a non-judgmental opportunity for focused, research-informed and action-orientated learning. Each year, we examine the experiences of a different demographic – including Black, South Asian and Chinese heritage.
At a time when public debate often centres on what divides us – race, immigration or identity – schools have the power to tell a different story, and to shape how young people understand themselves and one another. Black History Month is a moment to celebrate progress and to renew our commitment to making racial equity a reality in every classroom. Below are three key insights from Hemisphere’s research, and actions that every educator can take beyond October.
Three findings from our research:
1/ Racist language remains widespread in schools.
95% of young Black people say they have heard or experienced racist language in school. Many describe these experiences as a regular part of school life, which can affect confidence, wellbeing and engagement. Ensuring pupils are supported to report incidents is key to building trust and safety.
2/ Belonging starts with representation.
1 in 4 young people say they don’t feel they belong in school. Pupils of Black heritage highlight the importance of seeing their stories, achievements and cultures reflected at school — not only during awareness months, but through lessons, displays and daily interactions that affirm identity and belonging.
3/ Staff want practical tools to talk about race with confidence.
87% of educators told us they hadn’t previously received training on the specific issues affecting children of Black, mixed or other minority ethnic heritage in education. Building confidence through high quality, nonjudgmental, evidence–informed training turns good intentions into confident everyday practice.
Three actions you can take:
1/ Normalise conversations about race and belonging.
Create regular, supported opportunities for pupils to talk about race, identity and belonging – not only during October. When these topics become part of normal dialogue through assemblies, PSHE or projects, pupils and staff feel recognised, safe and valued.
2/ Give all staff the tools to recognise and address bias.
Confidence comes from clarity. Provide practical training that helps staff understand what bias looks like for different communities in their setting, and how to respond constructively. Approaches built on understanding, accountability and repair drive lasting cultural change and trust.
3/ Prioritise visible representation.
Representation matters – in leadership, curriculum and classrooms. Audit your environment: whose stories are told, whose images are displayed, whose achievements are celebrated? Visibility sends a powerful message about who belongs.
To build truly inclusive schools, we need to look closely at the specific barriers and opportunities different pupil groups face. Listening to and understanding the experiences of pupils of Black heritage is a vital first step toward change.
At Hemisphere, we help schools move from awareness to action — equipping teachers, staff, leaders and governors to recognise bias, understand how race intersects with class and culture, and embed inclusion in everyday practice.
Together, we can build schools where every pupil feels understood, valued and protected — not only in October, but all year round.
Yasmina Koné, Deputy Lead, Hemisphere Education
If you want to find out more about Hemisphere’s multi-award-winning work with schools, book a demo with Yasmina Koné here.
https://www.hemisphereeducation.com/
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