The Formation of Equality Group

Equality Group was formed in 2021 when a couple of passionate students, outraged by the death of George Floyd in the United States, started speaking to the police crime commissioner about taking action in Nottingham to tackle racism. We were working at the time with Citizens UK Nottingham branch. The local organiser came into school and taught us about building power, listening to the people, and understanding how to bring decision makers to the table to bring about meaningful change. They were invaluable lessons. The girls realised they had a voice and felt powerful. From one student, we became two, then a few more joined, and a few more. Slowly but surely, we increased our numbers, talking in assemblies and showing the student population what we were capable of. The effect was quite dramatic.

At the start of September 2024, following an assembly showcasing our campaigns, 30 more students walked through the door.  Our work with Citizens UK had seen us speak in the House of Lords, talking with Baroness Lawrence on their Racial Equity in Education campaign, hosting the governments’ curriculum & assessment review enquiry team, standing with placards outside Nottingham Forest football ground for the Real Living Wage campaign, talking at NottAlone Festival about mental health struggles and back down to parliament to talk with Minister Alex Norris MP about Migration Justice after the release of the government’s white paper, and the students were visible, living role models.  Over 40 students in a single club showed up wanting to make change, so impressed were they by their peers.

The empowerment is tangible, these young women leave knowing they have made a real difference to society and they will be heard (believe me!).  In a time of unprecedented division and fracture in society, we are now looking at a way to spread cohesion through to other academies. We want to use the soft skills we have developed, those that employers really value, to make sure young people leave school knowing they absolutely have the ability to improve the quality of life for themselves and others. Now more than ever, it is vital work.

Celebrating Black History Month at NGA

Celebrating Black History Month 2026

Throughout October, we will be celebrating Black History Month 2026, embracing this year's theme, "Honouring Community." This important theme recognises the achievements, contributions, resilience and rich cultural heritage of Black communities, while celebrating the positive impact they have on our society and local communities.

At school, we have planned a range of activities and events to help our pupils learn, reflect and celebrate together.

Equality Group Assembly

During the week commencing 5 October, our Equality Group will lead a special Black History Month assembly exploring the theme of Honouring Community. The assembly will also feature performances from our talented Year 11 dancers, showcasing creativity, culture and student leadership.

Black History Month Tuck Shop

At break time on 13 and 14 October, pupils will have the opportunity to visit our special Black History Month tuck shop in the canteen.

The menu will include a Jamaican patty and a can of fizzy drink, offering pupils the chance to experience and celebrate an aspect of Caribbean culture through food.

Film Screenings

As part of our celebrations, we will be hosting film screenings in the school hall on:

• Wednesday 14 October from 12.15pm
• Thursday 15 October from 12.35pm

Further information about the films and arrangements for pupils will be shared closer to the dates.

Special Black History Month Menu

During the week commencing 12 October, our catering team will be offering a selection of themed dishes inspired by Black cultures and traditions.

We hope pupils will enjoy the opportunity to explore new flavours and learn more about different cultural traditions.

Learning Across the Curriculum

Throughout October, pupils will also engage with Black History Month through their lessons. Departments will be highlighting the achievements, experiences and contributions of Black individuals within their subject areas through discussions, activities, reading materials, case studies and classroom displays.

Celebrating Diversity Together

Black History Month provides a valuable opportunity for our school community to celebrate diversity, promote understanding and recognise the many ways Black communities have shaped our world. We look forward to sharing these experiences with our pupils and helping them develop a deeper appreciation of different cultures, histories and perspectives.

We are excited to mark this important month together and thank our pupils, staff and families for their support in making these celebrations meaningful and engaging for everyone.

‘2025 - Standing Firm in Power and Pride’

At Nottingham Girls' Academy we celebrate multicultural, religious events, observations and festivals and raise awareness with our pupils every year.

In 2025 we were proud to be acknowledging Black History Month. We honoured key figures such as Dr Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Marcus Rashford MB, Dame Floella Benjamin, Walter Tull, Benjamin Zephania and many more. 2025 also marks the passing of Paul Stephenson OBE (1937–2024), the civil rights campaigner, who led the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott — a defining protest against racial discrimination.

We also remember the remarkable legacy of Lord Herman Ouseley (1945–2024), former Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, whose work shaped national conversations around race, education, and institutional reform. Their contributions continue to echo in today’s fight for fairness, dignity, and inclusion.

We celebrated in school on Wednesday 8th October 2025 with lessons across all faculties, embedding Black History into our rich cultural curriculum. There was celebratory food; Jamaican patties, drinks and dumplings, and celebrations including films, and a dance circle.

Equality Group at the ITE Summer Conference

On Tuesday 8th July, The Nottingham Girls' Academy Equality Group were invited to speak at the ITE Summer Conference at Nottingham University’s Jubilee Campus.

This is an annual event hosted by the School of Education at Nottingham University.

Over 50 Principals and senior leaders of multi-academy trusts gathered together to discuss the topic of Belonging. There was a particular focus on making schools a welcoming place for refugees and migrants; a topic we have been working hard on, in collaboration with Citizens UK.

Many of our students know first-hand what it feels like to have to integrate into a new environment, often having to learn English and adapt to a new way of life or a different culture. We were very excited to be able to speak at this event and share our ideas. You can watch our contribution to conference below.