**Widespread Racism in Welsh Schools Highlighted as Report Calls for Urgent Action**
A newly published report from Show Racism the Red Card Wales (SRTRC) has shed light on the disturbing prevalence of racism in Welsh schools, with incidents stretching from the early years of education through to secondary school. The findings expose a wide range of racist behaviours experienced by both pupils and staff, prompting renewed calls for systemic reform and greater support within the education sector.
The investigation, which surveyed 1,492 pupils, staff, and governors, paints a sobering picture. Among the more harrowing accounts, the report documents a young Muslim girl who had her hijab spat upon, and a pupil being referred to as a “Jew” by peers for not making a purchase at a school stall. Worryingly, the patterns of racist incidents encompass name-calling, physical assault, and derogatory comments, and are present even among the youngest children. For example, a four-year-old child refused to play with a classmate due to her “brown skin”, reflecting deeply-rooted biases forming at a very early age.
According to SRTRC’s data, pupils attending Welsh medium schools appear to be at heightened risk of racism due to their skin colour or religious background, when compared with their peers in other educational settings. However, these prejudices are not confined to any one school type or age group. Testimonies included children being called “monkeys”, “slitty eyed”, and subjected to anti-Semitic symbols and slurs. There are also accounts of negative stereotyping of Roma and Gypsy pupils.
The research highlights that while many staff are making sincere efforts to counter racism, there is a pressing demand for better training and more comprehensive anti-racism policies. SRTRC points out that, although some headteachers and governors have made notable progress, anti-racism initiatives remain inconsistent from school to school. The lack of clear, collaboratively developed policies often leaves communities ill-equipped to address incidents when they arise.
Significantly, the report indicates that racist behaviour is not limited to pupils; staff have also been caught making inappropriate remarks. One disturbing account saw a teacher question a misbehaving child’s English language skills, while another incident involved staff making derogatory comments about names and accents. Moreover, some educators revealed they had been unfairly accused of racism by parents, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the issue.
The cultural norms within schools sometimes mask racism as harmless “banter”, with terms such as “slitty eyes”, “P*ki”, and “curry-muncher” being bandied about and often dismissed by both students and adults. Racism is also propagated outside the classroom—on social media and in the wider community—making it a problem that extends well beyond school walls. The report notes that some children internalise prejudiced views heard at home, as well as negative attitudes expressed in their local areas.
Notwithstanding these serious issues, the SRTRC report reveals some optimistic changes in recent years. Educators now report higher levels of confidence in recognising and recording racist incidents, with 77% expressing confidence in spotting such behaviour—a notable jump from 48% in 2020. Nevertheless, only 39% of staff state they have received anti-racism training in the past year, despite 87% recognising its value, underlining a significant gap between acknowledgement and action.
To address these challenges, the report sets out a series of recommendations for policymakers and educators. It calls for the Welsh Government to provide clearer guidance on recording racism, to embed anti-racism into safeguarding duties, and to ensure that both staff and students have access to ongoing training and support. Crucially, it advocates for continued efforts to diversify the curriculum so that it genuinely represents all students’ experiences and histories.
Dean Pymble, campaign manager for Show Racism the Red Card Wales, emphasised the urgency of the findings: “Racism remains a persistent issue in our schools, impacting the well-being and educational experiences of children and staff alike. This report provides a roadmap for action—calling on policymakers, educators, and communities to implement meaningful, systemic change.”
The report ultimately highlights not only the distressing experiences endured by victims of racism in Welsh schools, but also a growing willingness to recognise and address the problem. As policymakers, school leaders, and grassroots organisations continue to work together, the hope remains that classrooms across Wales will become more inclusive and welcoming environments for all children, whatever their background. The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.