Anti-Racism in the Curriculum Conference 2026
A Day of Learning. Reflection. Action.
Thank You for Joining Us
On Saturday 27 June 2026, educators, school leaders, safeguarding professionals, researchers, community organisations and young people from across the UK came together at Lilian Baylis Technology School for The Black Curriculum's Anti-Racism in the Curriculum Conference 2026.
Centred on the theme Anti-Racism as a Safeguarding Issue, the conference created an important space for honest conversations about the role education plays in protecting, empowering and supporting Black children and young people.
Following the success of our previous conference, this year's event brought together more than 90 attendees committed to challenging inequity, sharing best practice and exploring how anti-racist education can become an integral part of safeguarding within schools and educational institutions.
A Conference Grounded in Action
Throughout the day, attendees explored one central question:
What happens when racism is not treated as a safeguarding concern?
Across keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions, speakers challenged delegates to rethink safeguarding through an anti-racist lens.
The programme encouraged participants to move beyond performative commitments and instead consider practical, sustainable approaches that place equity, belonging and student wellbeing at the heart of educational practice.
Discussions explored:
Anti-racism as a safeguarding responsibility
Student wellbeing and belonging
Adultification and racial bias
Leadership and whole-school culture
Building inclusive learning environments
The role of policy in shaping equitable education
Practical strategies educators can implement within their own settings
Rather than offering quick fixes, the conference focused on creating long-term change through informed leadership, collaborative learning and meaningful action.
Youth Voices Leading the Conversation
One of the defining moments of the conference was the presentation of research from The Black Curriculum's Young Champions Programme.
Young researchers shared original work examining issues including identity, representation, safeguarding and systemic inequality, providing attendees with early access to research that reflects the lived experiences of young people today.
Their work demonstrated the importance of placing youth voices at the centre of conversations about education, policy and safeguarding—not simply as participants, but as researchers, advocates and future leaders.
Their contributions reminded everyone in the room that meaningful change is strongest when young people help shape it.
Bringing Together a Community of Change
The conference welcomed professionals from across the education sector, including:
Teachers
School and trust leaders
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Governors
Education researchers
Policymakers
Community organisations
Youth advocates
Alongside the conference programme, attendees had opportunities to connect with exhibitors, partners and organisations committed to advancing anti-racist education.
These conversations extended beyond the stage, creating new collaborations, shared learning and a growing network of professionals working towards the same goal.
Looking Back at the Day
The atmosphere throughout the conference reflected exactly what The Black Curriculum strives to create: spaces where people can ask difficult questions, challenge existing thinking and leave equipped with practical ideas they can take back into their schools and organisations.
The day was filled with thoughtful discussion, moments of reflection, opportunities to network and a collective commitment to improving educational experiences for Black children and young people.
It was a reminder that anti-racist education is not a one-day initiative—it is an ongoing commitment that requires collaboration, accountability and action.
Thank You
We would like to thank every speaker, panellist, facilitator, volunteer, exhibitor, partner and attendee who contributed to making this year's conference such a meaningful success.
Your willingness to share experiences, challenge ideas and engage in honest dialogue helped create an event that will continue to influence conversations long after the conference ended.
Together, we are helping shape a more inclusive future for education.
View the Gallery
Whether you joined us on the day or are discovering the conference for the first time, we invite you to explore highlights from the event.
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.
