Results 2025: A Global Top 7 Co-Ed IB School
Results 2025: 223 Upper Sixth leavers achieved 61% A*/A grades
Results 2025: 90% achieved their first-place university
Results 2025: A level 83% A*/B
Results 2025: IB 39.81 Average Score

Pupils lead assembly on Black History

Black History Speech:

Speaker 1: Angel

Today, I’m honoured to speak about Black History Month, what it means to me personally, and how our School, Bromsgrove, has played a role in supporting me and my peers celebrate Black heritage.

Black History Month in the UK is celebrated every October, and this year’s theme is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”

The theme this year focuses on two core values: power and pride.

Power represents the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change. It acknowledges the visionaries who have led political, civil rights, and social movements, as well as those who have broken barriers in business, education, and the arts. Their legacies remind us that true power is not about titles but about the collective strength, courage, and unity used to forge a more equitable future for all. This reminds me of the Bring Your Whole Self to Bromsgrove initiative set up by former Heads of School Thando Best and Jess Whitlock; in celebrating, respecting and understanding difference we all  become stronger – and that starts with our School community

Pride reflects cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence. From the art and music to the stories passed through generations, pride is the heartbeat of Black communities worldwide. It’s about knowing where we come from, embracing our history, and walking boldly into the future without compromise or apology. Pride is a declaration of the beauty, the resilience, and contributions of Black culture to the world.

Black History Month 2025 honours key anniversaries, including the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act. These milestones serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, and the tireless efforts of those who have fought for the rights of Black people and communities.

Speaker 2: Raymond

This year’s theme is not only about remembrance but a call to action. It invites individuals and communities to stand firm in their power with pride, and to actively shape a world where Black voices are heard, valued, and celebrated. Black History Month 2025 challenges us to break down barriers, continue pushing for progress, and walk confidently into the future.

You can join in honouring Black history, working together to build a brighter future. By inviting everyone to stand firm and continue the work of shaping an inclusive world, it starts here in the classrooms, corridors, sports pitches, stage productions, houses and friendship groups at Bromsgrove School. Everyone here has a role to promote equity, diversity and inclusivity.

Some might ask: why have a special month at all? Because for far too long, Black history has been relegated to footnotes, treated as peripheral, or simplified. A month gives us space to focus, to educate, to pause and reflect — but the true goal is that Black history becomes integral and embedded year-round.

When students see themselves in history — not just as side characters, but as changemakers and innovators — it helps build confidence, purpose, and belonging. Black History Month reminds all of us — Black, non-Black, young, old — that our shared society is richer when all stories are heard. Being part of such a diverse community is something that we share and therefore should celebrate

Speaker 3: Ibukun

Over time, I have seen teachers and staff who are willing to listen, to learn, and to support discussions about race, identity, and equity. That matters. When students see adults who take these issues seriously, it signals that we are not dismissed, but respected.

Bromsgrove has put in place, and begun to offer, spaces for us to study more diverse perspectives — in History, English, Politics, assemblies, societies and events. Whether through inclusive reading lists, guest speakers, or cultural projects, these opportunities help us see ourselves in what we learn and raise awareness and provide education opportunities for both black and non-black pupils.  For example, a few of us held an assembly at Prep School for the younger pupils last week about how to care for black skin and hair.  You can learn more about Afro-Carribbean food at a pop up event in the Dining Hall – are you aware of the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana about who cooks the best Jollof rice, and have you ever tried plantain? Look out for the Black History display in the library and ask questions – it is the only way we learn.  Think about what you say, what you hear and what you see – we all need to look out for one another and remember that our protected characteristics are vital to inclusivity and community respect.  If you think you have said something wrong, question yourself and never be afraid to call out micro-aggressions, unkind words or actions, it is exactly what Jess and Thando would want.

Having a teacher or a mentor who understands or who cares about the experiences of Black students has made a difference. Someone who encourages you, who challenges stereotypes, who helps you navigate microaggressions, or just listens — that support is powerful.

Speaker 4: Lockey

To the younger Black students here: I hope you feel seen, you feel empowered, and you know that your story matters. To every student here: your awareness, your respect, your curiosity are part of building a stronger, fairer Bromsgrove community.

I close with a quote — “every image tells a story” — reminding us that portraits, voices, and histories carry more than representation: they carry identity, memory, aspiration.

Look out for the Black History Month quiz that will focus on the posters around the school of the changemakers and visionaries, who have helped shaped the environment for all of us to profit from. How will you help shape the world to be become even more inclusive of black communities around the world? Quite simply, by starting in the classrooms and corridors of Bromsgrove School today.

Let us commit not just to celebrate this month, but to live its values all year long — to stand firm in power and pride, together.

Following the message of the dance group on Friday night, there is more that unities us than divides us at Bromsgrove School.

Thank you.