Anti-Racism in the Curriculum Conference 2026
A Day of Learning. Reflection. Action.
A National Conversation on Safeguarding, Equity and the Future of Education
On Saturday 27 June 2026, The Black Curriculum welcomed educators, school leaders, safeguarding professionals, researchers, policymakers, community organisations and young people from across the UK to Lilian Baylis Technology School in London for the Anti-Racism in the Curriculum Conference 2026.
Now in its second year, the conference continues to establish itself as one of the UK's leading spaces for meaningful conversations on anti-racism in education, inclusive curriculum development, and safeguarding practice. Bringing together more than 90 delegates, the event united professionals from across the education sector who share a common commitment: ensuring every child has access to safe, inclusive and representative learning environments.
This year's theme, Anti-Racism as a Safeguarding Issue, challenged attendees to rethink the way racism is understood within schools. Rather than treating anti-racism as a standalone diversity initiative, the conference explored why it must be recognised as a fundamental safeguarding responsibility, one that directly impacts children's wellbeing, identity, belonging and educational outcomes.
Moving the Conversation Beyond Awareness
What happens when racism is not treated as a safeguarding concern?
Throughout the conference, keynote speakers, researchers, education leaders and practitioners explored how schools can move beyond statements of intent towards meaningful, measurable action.
Discussions examined the relationship between race and safeguarding through practical, evidence-informed perspectives, encouraging delegates to consider how school culture, leadership, curriculum and policy intersect to shape the experiences of Black children and young people.
Key themes explored throughout the programme included:
Anti-racism as a core safeguarding responsibility
Student wellbeing, identity and belonging
Adultification and racial bias within education
Leadership and whole-school anti-racist practice
Building inclusive learning environments
Policy, accountability and educational equity
Practical strategies educators can implement within their own schools and organisations
Rather than offering quick solutions, every session focused on equipping attendees with practical tools, critical reflection and sustainable approaches that can influence long-term change across the education sector.
Young Champions Leading National Conversations
One of the defining moments of the conference was the presentation of original research from The Black Curriculum's Young Champions Programme.
Throughout the day, young researchers took to the stage to present projects examining identity, representation, safeguarding, community experiences and systemic inequality. Their work offered attendees an exclusive opportunity to engage with emerging research before its wider publication and implementation.
The presentations demonstrated exactly why youth voice matters, not simply as consultation, but as leadership.
The Young Champions challenged assumptions, shared lived experience and contributed thoughtful research that reflected both the realities young people face today and the changes they want to see in education.
Their contribution served as a powerful reminder that the future of education should not only be designed for young people. It should be shaped alongside them.
Bringing Together the Education Community
The conference welcomed professionals representing every part of the education landscape, creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration throughout the day.
Attendees included:
Teachers and classroom practitioners
School and trust leaders
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
Governors
Education researchers
Youth workers
Community organisations
Policymakers
Equality, diversity and inclusion practitioners
Youth advocates and emerging leaders
Between sessions, delegates connected with exhibitors, partner organisations and fellow professionals, exchanging ideas, sharing experiences and building relationships that will continue beyond the conference itself.
These conversations reinforced one of the conference's greatest strengths: bringing together people from different sectors who are united by a shared commitment to creating fairer, safer and more inclusive education.
Learning That Extends Beyond the Conference
From the opening keynote through to the final discussions, the atmosphere reflected everything The Black Curriculum strives to create spaces where honest conversations lead to practical action.
Attendees left with new ideas, renewed confidence and tangible strategies they can take back into their classrooms, organisations and communities.
The day highlighted that safeguarding cannot be separated from race, identity or belonging. Creating truly safe learning environments requires schools to understand how racism affects children's educational experiences and to respond with informed, intentional and anti-racist practice.
While the conference lasted one day, the conversations, partnerships and commitments formed throughout the event will continue to shape educational practice long after the final session concluded.
Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Possible
The Black Curriculum would like to thank every speaker, panellist, facilitator, volunteer, partner, exhibitor and attendee who contributed to the success of this year's conference.
A special thank you goes to our Young Champions, whose courage, insight and research reminded us why this work matters.
Together, you helped create an event that challenged perspectives, inspired collaboration and strengthened a growing national movement committed to educational equity and safeguarding.
The conversations may have ended for the day, but the work continues.
Together, we are helping build an education system where every child feels safe, represented and able to thrive.
Explore the Conference Gallery
Relive the conversations, connections and standout moments from the Anti-Racism in the Curriculum Conference 2026 through our photo gallery.
Whether you joined us in London or are discovering the conference for the first time, we invite you to explore the highlights from a day dedicated to advancing anti-racist education, inclusive practice and equity in schools.
Continue the Conversation
The Anti-Racism in the Curriculum Conference is one part of our wider mission to transform education through anti-racist practice, inclusive curriculum development and youth leadership.
Discover our teacher training, workshops, learning resources and upcoming events.
