QuickLinks

Listen to the Podcast with the Premier League and Chelsea FC here.

Access the No Room for Racism Resources.

Access the Premier League Primary Stars Resources

A Grim Reality

95% of young Black people report that they have heard and witnessed the use of racist language at school

Source: YMCA, "Young and Black" Report, 2020

Racism reaches children early, so schools need to teach inclusion from the start, not only discourage discrimination.

The Podcast

The HeadteacherChat podcast recently tackled this urgent topic in an episode titled "No Room for Racism: Empowering Schools Through Football". Hosts Lucy and Jonathan were joined by two influential guests: Nick from the Premier League and Victor from Chelsea Football Club, both at the forefront of using football’s wide-reaching appeal to drive inclusivity and anti-racism in education.

Opening the Dialogue on Racism in Schools

The conversation began with a critical question: How can football help schools confront racism and promote inclusivity?

  • Nick outlined how the Premier League’s No Room for Racism campaign has reached over 500,000 young people, aiming to challenge discrimination and champion diversity at every opportunity.
  • Victor highlighted Chelsea FC Foundation’s innovative “This Is Us” programme, which blends education with drama-based workshops. These encourage students to engage in role-play, confronting the realities of discrimination and empowering them to reject it.

Resources for Educators: Practical Tools for Change

Key Offerings from Premier League Primary Stars:

  • Anti-discrimination lesson plans – aligned with national curriculum standards.
  • Discussions on identity and community – to encourage reflection and empathy.
  • Stereotype-challenging activities – rooted in real-world contexts.
  • Flexible, pick-and-mix format – for easy integration into existing schemes.

Access these free resources here.

Extending Engagement Beyond the Classroom

The aim is lasting cultural change, not just workshop attendance.

  • Victor shared examples of students who later felt empowered to challenge racist incidents after taking part in Chelsea’s workshops.
  • Nick reiterated the need for a sustained culture of respect, aspiration, and belonging in schools, supported by regular dialogue and embedded values.

How Schools Can Engage with Premier League Primary Stars

To take part:

These materials are adaptable across different key stages and teaching contexts.

Responsibilities of School Leaders in Tackling Racial Discrimination

School leaders have clear legal and moral responsibilities:

Anti-Bullying and Behaviour Policies

All state-funded schools in England must have these policies in place.

Equality Act 2010 Compliance

Schools must not unlawfully discriminate on grounds of race or other protected characteristics.

Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)

  • Eliminate discrimination.
  • Advance equality of opportunity.
  • Foster good relations across characteristics.

Law on Exclusions

Disciplinary decisions must align with both education and equality law to ensure fairness.

Reference: House of Commons Library – "Racial Discrimination in Schools", March 2023.

Find out more about No Room for Racism and get involved.