Lost Lessons
Building an anti-racist curriculum
Who we are
Lost Lessons campaign began in late 2024, in response to the launch of the government’s Curriculum & Assessment Review (CAR), which offered an opportunity to change what is taught in schools. Our young people voted to jump on this moment and push for a shift to an anti-racist approach in all schools.
What’s the problem?
Research has linked an unrepresentative curriculum to all too familiar feelings of ‘discomfort, isolation and a sense of not belonging’. Black and Global Majority students are affected in particular, as a sense of belonging is crucial to retention and success.
How are we solving it?
We put forward three core demands to the Curriculum & Assessment Review panel, chaired by Professor Becky Francis and overseen by the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP. These focus on prioritising an anti-racist education that is not optional.
How can I help?
This campaign is finished, as it focused on a particular opportunity in time. But, we may come back to it – the fight for fundamentally anti-racist values in all schools is not over! Get in touch if you’d like to discuss more, and we can always send you to others in the movements who are still fighting on this issue.
Having a sense of place and belonging is vital for young people to understand others with empathy and uplift British values of mutual respect, especially in these times of division and polarisation.
Real policy influence takes persistence and collective pressure In 2025, the Lost Lessons (LL) campaign learned what is needed to shift national conversations and influence policy.
Amongst other key wins, a strategic campaign target was met by acknowledgement and responses from Professor Becky Francis and the Secretary of Education.These were
not quick wins. They were the result of sustained organising, collaborative working and young people refusing to be ignored.
young people took part in campaign actions.
people mobilised a ‘teach-in’ outside the Department of Education (DoE).
Secretary of State for Education called for an anti-racist education.
DoE agreed that the curriculum should reflect ‘diverse communities’ at GCSE level.
