Petition · Department for Education
Make Black history part of the curriculum in all schools
Closed
215 signatures
What the petition asks
We think that the celebration of Black history in England should not be relegated to one month a year and should be made mandatory across all schools in England from ages 8-16. It should not be separate history because it is a part of British History.
In 2013, the teaching of Black history was essentially made optional by removing the national curriculum’s compulsory section stating that students must study the British history of colonialism and slavery.
Data from 2019 found that only up to 11% of GCSE students were studying modules that referred to Black people’s contribution to Britain. Out of the 59 GCSE history modules put together by the nation’s biggest exam boards, just five referenced Black history in Britain.
Data from 2019 found that only up to 11% of GCSE students were studying modules that referred to Black people’s contribution to Britain. Out of the 59 GCSE history modules put together by the nation’s biggest exam boards, just five referenced Black history in Britain.
Timeline
| 8 Nov 2024 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 8 May 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
215
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Education
Opened
8 Nov 2024
Closed
8 May 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 8 Aug 2026.