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Black History Month matters. Every October, schools across the UK take time to reflect on the lives, contributions and histories of Black Britons. But one-off activities or a themed assembly aren't enough. To build inclusive classrooms, Black history needs to be visible all year round.
This blog brings together trusted Black History Month resources for UK teachers, updated for 2026, with practical advice to help you make a lasting impact.
This year's theme: Honouring Our Communities
The theme for Black History Month 2026 is Honouring Our Communities. It celebrates the everyday leadership, service and creativity of Black people across Britain: the teachers, nurses, volunteers, business owners and community leaders whose work too often goes unseen.
As the organisers put it, Black history "is being made around us every day". This gives schools a great way in. Alongside famous figures from the past, pupils can look for the people who are shaping their own school, street and town today.
Read more about the 2026 theme
Why inclusive Black history resources matter
Classrooms in England are more diverse than ever:
- There are 8.9 million pupils in schools in England, and 38.7% are from a minority ethnic background (DfE, January 2026)
- Yet the experiences and achievements of Black Britons are still underrepresented across the curriculum
- Inclusive teaching boosts pupil engagement, identity and sense of belonging
Well-made resources help every child see themselves in the stories we teach. They're also a key part of building respectful, diverse school cultures.
Why we support this work
At TeacherActive, we work with thousands of educators and schools every year, and we believe inclusive teaching is essential in modern classrooms.
Through My-Progression and the TeacherActive app, we offer:
- Free CPD videos to support inclusive teaching
- Practical tips for planning lessons that reflect today's society
- Expert-led ideas for embedding diversity across the curriculum
We champion materials that help schools go beyond tokenism and build knowledge, empathy and connection.
Trusted Black History Month resources for UK teachers
1. NEU Black history resources
The National Education Union offers free teaching packs for KS1–4, posters of notable Black Britons in science, sport, activism and literature, and guidance on anti-racist teaching.
2. National Literacy Trust: Black History Month
Free, ready-to-use activities for ages 5–14 that celebrate Black authors, illustrators and characters in children's books. Includes character responses for KS1, author research projects for KS2 and creative projects for KS3. Free account needed to download.
3. Our Migration Story (Runnymede Trust)
Stories, historian videos and source material showing how migration has shaped Britain from AD43 to the present day. A rich resource for history and citizenship, with activities and vocabulary support built in.
4. UK Parliament: Influential Black Britons (NEW)
A free illustrated book and PowerPoint telling the stories of six Black Britons who changed UK laws and rights, including Mary Prince, Claudia Jones, Bernie Grant MP and Eniola Aluko. Suitable for ages 5–11, with an activity where pupils create a portrait of their own Black history hero.
5. British Red Cross: Celebrating Black humanitarians (NEW)
A short, free citizenship activity for ages 11–18 on Black British humanitarians and volunteers. Pupils discuss what makes a humanitarian, reflect on bias and stereotypes, and name people in their own lives they admire. A perfect fit for Honouring Our Communities.
6. Mentally Healthy Schools: Black History Month toolkit
From the Anna Freud Centre, with separate toolkits for primary and secondary/FE. Includes assembly plans, lesson plans and activities linking Black history with identity, wellbeing, and the impact of racism on mental health.
7. Black History Month 2026 Magazine and Resource Pack (paid)
The official pack from Black History Month UK is built around this year's theme. It includes six A1 exhibition posters featuring 54 people, audio stories, 20 primary fact sheets and activity sheets, lesson plans for KS1–4 and assembly guidance. This is a paid resource (£84.45 including postage), and schools can order by invoice.
Watch: Diversity in education
Build your confidence with our free CPD video series from My-Progression, packed with practical ways to make your teaching more culturally aware and inclusive.
Tips for bringing these resources to life
Honour your own community: In line with this year's theme, invite pupils to find and celebrate Black people making a difference locally, such as a school governor, nurse, shop owner, coach or volunteer. Could they write a thank-you letter, conduct an interview or create a class 'wall of honour'?
Use across subjects: Black history doesn't just belong in history lessons. Use these materials in English, art, PSHE, RE, science and beyond.
Connect to local stories: Research Black Britons from your area's past. Local libraries, museums and archives can help bring learning to life.
Highlight a range of voices: Don't focus only on trauma or oppression. Include stories of joy, innovation, activism, science and art.
Let pupils lead: Encourage independent projects, debates and presentations on Black role models or movements that matter to them.
Plan beyond October: The best classrooms don't stop in November. Use these resources all year round.
Frequently asked questions
What is the theme for Black History Month 2026?
The UK theme is Honouring Our Communities. It celebrates everyday Black British contributions in education, healthcare, business, culture and public service, past and present.
Are these resources suitable for all key stages?
Yes. Most providers clearly mark age-appropriate materials, and together they cover EYFS to KS4.
Are all of these resources free?
All are free except the official Black History Month Resource Pack. Some, like the National Literacy Trust, ask you to create a free account first.
Can I use US-based materials in a UK setting?
Yes, with care. Balance US resources with British history, and look for UK case studies or adapt materials to your context.
How do I avoid tokenism?
Don't limit learning to one month. Weave Black histories into topics and subjects all year round. Be intentional and consistent.
What if I don't feel confident teaching Black history?
Start small. Use ready-made materials, watch training videos and ask colleagues for support. Your confidence will grow over time.
