Anti-racist education
These resources align with the Scottish Government’s Anti-racism in Education Programme (AREP). You’ll find information about:
- what anti-racist education is
- why anti-racist education is important
- what actions we can we take to promote and embed anti-racist education
The Building Racial Literacy (BRL) programme is an important part of AREP. It supports the ambition for systemic change and promotes a national approach to anti-racist practice.
What anti-racist education is
Anti-racist education is a proactive approach to preventing racism, racial prejudice and racist incidents. Anti-racist education is about:
- ensuring every child feels valued as an individual in a learning environment that is safe and inclusive
- helping every child develop the skills and confidence to stand up to racism together
- improving relationships between children and young people
- creating learning opportunities that balance British and European perspectives with global perspectives
- reducing prejudice and biases
- increasing empathy and a sense of shared humanity
- supporting schools and settings to proactively prevent and address racism experienced by children and young people, staff, parents and carers and wider community members
Learning opportunities should challenge outdated and harmful stereotypes in the curriculum.
Anti-racist education information for families can be found on Parentzone.
Scotland’s anti-racism commitment
In Scotland, anti-racism in education is a national commitment:
“Racism exists within our education system, interpersonally and institutionally. We commit to eradicating racism through our anti-racist actions and policies”
This commitment is underpinned by the work of the Scottish Government’s Anti-Racism in Education Programme.
Anti-racist curriculum
Support for learners, educators and leaders to understand what an anti-racist curriculum means in practice.
Building Racial Literacy
The Building Racial Literacy programme empowers educators to identify and implement anti-racist behaviours and processes in their everyday practice.
Responding to racist incidents
Advice on responding to racism and racist incidents in schools.
Responding to racism and violence in current events
Guidance for practitioners for discussing community unrest, riots, and racist incidents.
Young anti-racist voices of Scotland
Children and young people's perspectives on anti‑racism, learning, and change across Scotland.