The initiative, part of the Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course, follows research highlighting inequalities faced by BAGM students, including lower Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) pass rates and higher course suspension rates compared to their white peers. This reflects a wider issue across higher education, where students from minoritised backgrounds often experience attainment gaps and a lack of trust in institutions to address race-related incidents.
Leeds Trinity, recognised as a sector leader in anti-racism with an awarding gap of 2.3%, developed the framework to address the feeling among BAGM students of lacking a voice. Dr Naziya O’Reilly, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, stated, "Inequality stems from BAGM students feeling like they lack a voice, which contributes to a limited institutional understanding of the challenges related to race, culture, and ethnicity they are facing."
The framework includes one-to-one check-ins during induction, the creation of racial affinity spaces for students to share experiences safely, and adapted inclusion agreements. These agreements help students and mentors identify barriers, discuss racialised experiences, and agree on practical steps to support retention and progression.
Early results are positive, with withdrawal rates among BAGM students decreasing from 17% to 10%. Dr O'Reilly emphasised the university's commitment to not only widening participation but also ensuring students receive the necessary support to complete their studies and enter their chosen careers, contributing to a more diverse teaching workforce.
Following their work on embedding anti-racism in the Primary PGCE provision, Dr O'Reilly and Dr Stephen Campbell, Disability Services Manager, have been invited to a parliamentary roundtable to discuss the inclusion of specific references to racism in teacher training.
Leeds Trinity University was also named University of the Year for Student Experience and ranked 9th for Social Inclusion in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, underscoring its dedication to anti-racism, widening participation, and teaching excellence.
