While dialogue and policy on Black children in the UK education system typically focuses on Black boys, there is little research centring the unique experiences of Black girls in British schools. Of the research that exists, we often see a ‘copy and paste’ application of the educational experiences of Black girls in America, where more substantial research exists. The vital differences and visceral nuances of Black girlhood in Britain are neglected in such studies.

This piece of research sits as a corrective. It builds on See Us, Hear Us: On girlhood and growing up Black in Lambeth, a pilot research study commissioned by Milk Honey Bees in 2023, which explored the complexities, nuances and experiences of girlhood whilst living in the London Borough of Lambeth.

This report was written by Njilan Morris-Jarra and Ebinehita Iyere, with research undertaken by 6 peer researchers and co-ordinated by Sophie Arinde. Milk Honey Bees is a creative and expressive safe space for Black girls to flourish and put H.E.R (Healing, Empowerment and Resilience) first.

To what extent do educators’ perceptions of Black girls impact the sense of identity and wellbeing of Black girls in London’s Secondary Schools