Recruitment and support update for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic ITE students 2026

Welsh Government is committed to making Wales an anti-racist nation. A key part of this is increasing the diversity of the teaching workforce to better reflect and support learners in our schools.

In 2021 we published a plan to improve how we recruit Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students into Initial Teacher Education (ITE). We are now publishing a high-level update with a focus to: 

• sustain progress already made
• improve recruitment of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority students onto ITE programmes
• enhance the support for student teachers during their training

We want to create long-term, meaningful support for ethnic minority communities in ITE. This means making changes across the system in an anti-racist way. 

Race and ethnicity can affect how children, young people and adults experience education. Attracting and supporting people from ethnic minorities to become teachers is not just the responsibility of the ITE sector. To inspire and empower the next generation of educators, there must be a shared commitment across:

• schools
• colleges
• universities 

Over the past 3 years, the ITE sector has made significant progress in:

• improving recruitment processes
• supporting individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds

However, there are still gaps in how different areas of the education sector support ethnic minority communities. To address this, we need a coordinated pan-Wales approach that gives fair support across the sector.

We are committed to continuing to advance the work within ITE, in a way that is both ambitious and sustainable. We want minority ethnic student teachers to:

• feel supported as they enter ITE and the teaching profession
• succeed in their training
• become leaders in education

This update is part of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan (ArWAP). It shows the ITE sectors determination to drive sustainable, meaningful change. We will continue to:

• monitor progress
• adapt in response to developments across the wider education landscape
• ensure that minority ethnic individuals are supported throughout their journey into teaching

This update outlines the high-level goals and strategic direction for the ITE sector. Each ITE partnership is responsible for delivering their own recruitment plan. In 2022, all ITE partnerships:

• reviewed their recruitment processes
• identified key areas for improvement
• developed bespoke recruitment plans

The recruitment plans place accountability firmly with each partnership to:

• set
• monitor
• achieve
• evolve

their own targets. The plans are not standalone. They form a critical part of the wider anti-racist work in Wales. They must be actively reviewed and refined to ensure progress is both measurable and meaningful.

We remain committed to:

• driving forward change
• working in partnership with the sector to monitor progress
• adapting to emerging developments across the education landscape

Key themes

The 3 key themes from the ITE Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic recruitment plan remain central to our approach.

Goal

To increase the recruitment of teachers from ethnic minority communities into the education sector, with a sustained and strategic focus on entry onto ITE programmes.

What we have done

Promoting teaching as a career

Significant work has been undertaken across the sector to promote teaching as a career to individuals from ethnic minority communities. Initial efforts focused on reviewing and adapting recruitment processes within ITE partnerships to ensure they are more:

• inclusive
• supportive
• responsive to issues of discrimination

The first strategic plan focused on recruitment into ITE programmes. This 2025 update builds on that foundation. It continues to strengthen and expand recruitment strategies.

Increase visibility of ethnic communities

Visibility of ethnic minority communities in ITE marketing materials has increased across the sector. Collaborations with community mentors and organisations have supported this work. 

Educators Wales has played a key role in delivering outreach activities, including:

• workshops in schools
• sixth form assemblies
• engagement with colleges, universities, youth organisations and community groups

Introducing financial incentives

In September 2022, Welsh Government introduced the Ethnic Minority ITE financial incentive. This aims to attract high-quality graduates from diverse backgrounds into the profession.

Betty Campell Award

The Betty Campbell (MBE) award for promoting the contributions and perspectives of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, was launched on 21 October 2021. This is awarded to individuals, teams or schools that demonstrate exceptional awareness of the importance of ethnic minority perspectives and contributions. It recognises the value and importance of ethnic minority teachers. This is inspirational and aspirational for learners to see. 

Award winners 2022: Llanwern High School, Newport.

Award winners 2024: Amy Grimward: Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy.

Current position

Progress has been made in:

• raising awareness
• improving representation in promotional materials and recruitment practices

The publication of recruitment plans by all ITE partnerships in 2022 marked a key milestone. Each partnership set out specific targets and actions to attract ethnic minority students. These plans are beginning to influence systemic change. They are helping to build a more inclusive and anti-racist ITE sector.

However, despite these efforts, the 2023 to 2024 data continue to show a stark under-representation of ethnic minority teachers in the workforce. Figures remain significantly below the proportion of ethnic minority pupils in schools. This highlights the ongoing need for strategic, sustained action to address barriers. We need to ensure that the teaching workforce better reflects the diversity of Wales.

Proportion of Teachers and Pupils from Different Ethnic Backgrounds in Wales 2023 to 2024

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Actions

To continue driving progress, the following actions are essential.

• ITE partnerships will lead the way. They will continuously review, evolve and publish their recruitment plans. They will report on progress and set ambitious new targets to attract and support ethnic minority students into teaching. This will ensure that the teaching workforce better reflects the diversity of Wales.
• Welsh Government will champion systemic change by actively engaging across the education sector. We will be building strong networks. We will drive forward an anti-racist agenda with the goal of transforming recruitment and representation within ITE. We will ensure that every learner benefits from a more inclusive education system.
• All stakeholders will showcase the visibility of diverse role models through bold, inclusive marketing campaigns. These campaigns should be supported by age-appropriate materials. They should ignite aspiration and empower children and young people to see teaching as a powerful and purposeful career path.
• Educators Wales will continue to be a dynamic and trusted presence in schools, colleges, universities, and communities across Wales. They will inspire future educators and promote teaching as a rewarding and impactful profession that welcomes everyone.
• Educators Wales will deepen partnerships with community organisations, youth services, and cultural groups. They will ensure that information about teaching careers reaches every corner of society and resonates with diverse audiences. This particularly includes those historically underrepresented in the profession.
• In collaboration with ITE partnerships, Educators Wales will deliver inclusive and accessible recruitment events. These should be tailored to the needs and aspirations of ethnic minority communities, Future educators should be able to see themselves, build trust, and feel empowered to pursue teaching as a meaningful and impactful career.
• All stakeholders will actively champion the Ethnic Minority ITE incentive as a powerful tool to attract and support individuals from diverse backgrounds into the teaching profession. This will send a clear message that representation matters. It ensures that every aspiring teacher feels seen, valued, and supported throughout their journey into education.
• Welsh Government will continue to highlight the celebration and visibility of role models, for example the Betty Campbell (MBE) award. This recognises outstanding contributions to promoting ethnic minority perspectives in education. It inspires future generations to lead with pride, purpose, and cultural awareness.

Goal

To ensure that ethnic minority individuals experience an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive journey through ITE. This includes advocating for zero tolerance of racial discrimination or inequality within both universities and on school placements.

What we have done

Improving support

Since 2021, support for students from ethnic minority backgrounds within ITE has significantly strengthened. ITE partnerships have developed systems to assist applicants from ethnic minority communities before they apply. This reflects a change in recruitment practices toward greater inclusivity. 

Educators Wales has played a pivotal role in this progress. Their advocacy service has evolved to offer tailored support throughout the application and recruitment process. This includes:

• promoting incentives
• providing advice
• attending open days
• delivering employability workshops
• hosting webinars
• supporting ITE partnerships in meeting the needs of their individual plans

Supporting those already working in non-teaching roles

ITE partnerships have also made significant progress in supporting ethnic minority individuals already working in non-teaching roles. Educators Wales offers bespoke advice and preparation workshops. These help individuals make informed decisions about entering the profession. The salaried and part-time routes, provide flexible pathways for those already in school-based roles or who have other responsibilities. These are regularly reviewed.

Student networks

Many ITE partnerships have implemented student networks to bring ethnic minority students together for peer support. In 2024, these efforts culminated in the creation of the ‘ITE Wales National Network for Global Majority Student Teachers’. This student-led network offers valuable peer support. It is hoped that this network will extend into the NQT year and beyond.

Diversity and Anti- Racist Professional Learning

DARPL (Diversity and Anti-Racist Professional Learning) continues to offer high-quality, free diversity and anti-racist professional learning to all education professionals. This includes ITE students and mentors. DARPL was founded in 2021 and is funded by Welsh Government.

Current position

ITE partnerships are continuing to build on this foundation. Support systems are in place. However, further development is needed to diversify and strengthen services using a range of approaches.

There is a particular need to continue developing support for eligible candidates already in the workforce in non-teaching roles. Educators Wales provides tailored advice and workshops. The flexible routes into teaching remain under regular review.

As Wales welcomes sanctuary seekers and refugees, the sector must consider how best to support those interested in teaching. Responsibility for these individuals sits outside ITE. However, there is a clear need to improve signposting and support as they navigate the complex journey of rebuilding their lives.

Recruitment panels are increasingly inclusive. ITE partnerships are working to ensure representation from ethnic minority groups. However, the limited pool of available individuals remains a challenge. Continued efforts to support and develop ethnic minority teachers will help expand this pool over time.

The feedback process for unsuccessful ITE applicants has improved. There is a growing emphasis on providing robust and meaningful feedback. This is essential for helping all applicants to strengthen future applications. This includes those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Placement experiences are another critical area. ITE partnerships are increasingly mindful of selecting appropriate schools for ethnic minority students. However, more focused work with partner schools is needed. This includes:

• engaging mentors, staff, and leadership teams in anti-racist professional learning
• increasing awareness of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan (ArWAP)
• working with DARPL to ensure schools are better equipped to provide inclusive placements

Universities must continue to foster positive relationships with ethnic minority students. They must ensure that they are not marginalised. Students should feel confident that:

• anti-racist policies are in place
• incidents such as bullying or microaggressions are dealt with effectively

ITE partnerships should also work with schools to:

• ensure consistent expectations
• consider how incidents and near misses are recorded to build a more accurate, pan-Wales picture of student experiences

Clear, accessible complaints procedures must be available to all students. These must be available in their preferred language, and without fear of retribution.

Actions

To continue driving progress, the following actions are essential:

• Educators Wales will collaborate with ITE partnerships to strengthen advocacy and advisory services. This will ensure that individuals considering a career in education receive accessible, tailored guidance. This should empower informed decision-making and build confidence in their potential to succeed.
• Educators Wales will work in partnership with ITE providers to review and enhance application and interview preparation workshops. This will equip prospective applicants, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, with the knowledge, skills, and self-belief needed to submit high-quality application and to thrive in ITE programmes.
• ITE partnerships will work with partner schools and mentors to help everyone understand anti-racist practice better. They will provide training and work with organisations like DARPL to make sure mentors can support ethnic minority student teachers in a caring, inclusive way that makes everyone feel they belong.
• ITE providers will actively promote the opportunity for partnership schools to join the DARPL Advocacy Network and become ‘DAN’ schools. Thus, encouraging a visible commitment to anti-racist values and creating school environments where diversity is celebrated and supported.
• DARPL will collaborate with ITE partnership school mentors to deepen their understanding of how to support ethnic minority student teachers. DARPL will support schools to ensure anti-racism is embedded in reporting, safeguarding, school culture, and curriculum during placements. This should become part of a student’s induction, creating safer, more inclusive spaces for all student teachers.
• DARPL will provide targeted support through the DARPL Advocacy Network. This will help schools become recognised as ‘DAN’ schools. It will strengthen the visibility and credibility of anti-racist practice across Wales.
• Welsh Government will raise awareness of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan (ArWAP). We will ensure educators understand its principles and are empowered to implement meaningful change that benefits all learners.
• Welsh Government will continue to act as an ally to the education sector. We will foster a shared understanding of anti-racism. We will do this through collaboration with the ITE working group and engagement with DARPL and attendance at relevant events. We will build a united front for equity and inclusion in education.
• Welsh Government will regularly review student incentive packages. This will include the Ethnic Minority ITE incentive. This is to ensure they effectively support and increase the number of ethnic minority teachers, enriching the diversity of learners’ educational experiences and outcomes.
• Welsh Government and Educators Wales will work with the sector to explore pathways for sanctuary seekers and refugees into teaching. This will create opportunities for individuals with lived experience to contribute meaningfully to Welsh education.
• Educators Wales will continue to actively promote available incentives to ethnic minority individuals and communities. This will raise awareness of support structures, so that more people feel encouraged, enabled, and welcomed into the teaching profession.
• Welsh Government will ensure workshops include space for all partnerships to share racist and anti-racist incidents. This will help to build a clearer picture of student experiences. It will inform the development of responsive, effective support mechanisms that foster safe and inclusive learning environments.

Goal

To ensure that the experiences of ethnic minority individuals are actively considered in education policy development, and that Welsh Government maintains a clear and consistent anti-racist approach in shaping policy.

To equip all ITE students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to teach the histories and contributions of ethnic minority communities as part of a diverse and inclusive curriculum.

To support ITE students to engage with professional learning opportunities that promote anti-racist practice, helping to build a teaching workforce that is:

• confident
• informed
• committed to equity

Policy development

What we have done

Criteria for accreditation of ITE programmes

ITE programmes in Wales are accredited by the Education Workforce Council (EWC). This is done through an independent process, aligned with the Criteria for Accreditation of ITE Programmes. ITE programmes are accredited for up to five years.

For 2024 we refreshed the Criteria for Accreditation to strengthen support for systematic change. They now make explicit the requirement for students to develop skills and understanding around race, inclusion, and anti-racist practice.

In response to the new criteria, ITE partnerships have reviewed their existing programme practices. They have identified areas for improvement. These actions are being incorporated into individual recruitment plans to ensure accountability and progress.

Diversity workshops

Since 2022, Welsh Government has hosted twice-annual diversity workshops. These bring together key stakeholders, including community representatives, to share successes, discuss challenges, and inform future developments.

Current position

The refreshed accreditation criteria are now in place for programmes commencing from September 2024. These criteria represent a more explicit commitment to anti-racist education and inclusive practice within ITE.

ITE partnerships are actively implementing changes based on their internal reviews. Improvements are being embedded into recruitment plans. This marks a positive shift, but continued monitoring is essential to ensure consistency and impact.

EWC and Estyn are expected to review their monitoring and inspection processes. This is to ensure that ITE programmes meet the strengthened criteria. Where improvements are needed, they should work collaboratively with ITE partnerships. They should consider engaging with organisations such as DARPL to support development.

Future ITE policy development will continue to prioritise increasing diversity in the education workforce and embedding anti-racist approaches. This will support systematic change. Welsh Government remains committed to engaging with ethnic minority stakeholder groups to ensure that ITE policy impacts are assessed collaboratively and inclusively. 

The Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan (ArWAP) provides a guiding framework. Its implications for wider education policy should be considered as part wider development across the education sector. 

The Welsh Government will continue to engage with representatives from ethnic minority stakeholder groups. This is to ensure that impacts of future ITE policy developments are assessed in a collaborative manner.

ITE Programmes

What we have done

Embedding diversity and equality

ITE partnerships have taken steps to embed diversity and equality across their programmes. All ITE partnership universities now hold the Advance HE Race Equality Charter. This supports institutions in improving the:

• representation
• progression
• success

of ethnic minority people in higher education.

Anti-racist professional learning

Sustained anti-racist professional learning is increasingly influencing change across both universities and schools within ITE partnerships. Organisations such as DARPL have provided valuable support and expertise to help drive this work forward.

ITE partnerships have begun reviewing:

• the type and amount of training provided to staff
• recognising its importance in embedding anti-racist approaches
• promoting systemic change

There is growing awareness that diversity and equality must be integrated across all modules of ITE programmes.

Including inclusion into the curriculum

The concept of decolonising the curriculum is gaining traction. Efforts are underway at both university and school levels. This work is helping staff and students reframe how education is delivered in Wales, with a focus on inclusion and representation.

Current position

ITE partnerships are expected to ensure their vision actively supports diversity and equality across all aspects of their programmes. While progress has been made, further work is needed to embed anti-racist practice consistently across institutions.

Training for staff remains a key area for development. It should be designed to support the delivery of anti-racist education. It should ensure that all modules reflect principles of diversity and inclusion. This includes involving ITE partnership schools and mentors so that change is not isolated to university settings.

Students should be given opportunities to explore the:

• experiences
• stories
• contributions
• histories

of ethnic minority communities. This knowledge should inform their planning and teaching, both during placements and throughout their careers.

Creating safe spaces for students to discuss these topics and reflect on their experiences is essential. Students should also be made aware of DARPL and other anti-racist organisations and professional learning resources available to them This should happen both within their ITE programmes and as part of their ongoing development as qualified teachers.

Actions

To continue driving progress, the following actions are essential:

• Welsh Government will proactively review the Accreditation Criteria at key intervals. We will ensure it remains aligned with anti-racist practice. This ensures that every aspect of ITE reflects a commitment to equity, inclusion, and the dismantling of systemic barriers.
• Welsh Government will continue engaging stakeholders to co-develop anti-racist policy in ITE. The wider impacts of this approach will be considered across the education sector. It will foster a more unified, inclusive system where anti-racism is embedded in policy, practice, and culture.
• ITE partnerships will ensure programme content is delivered in ways that actively challenge inequalities and prevent discrimination. This creates learning environments where all student teachers feel respected, empowered, and equipped to lead inclusive classrooms.
• ITE partnerships will encourage student teachers to critically reflect on their teaching approaches and relationships with learners and communities. This will cultivate inclusive, anti-racist learning environments that nurture belonging and respect for all.
• ITE providers, in collaboration with DARPL and other organisations, will support ITE staff through continuous professional learning. This should include deliberate curriculum conversations and contextual support. This will ensure educators are confident and capable in delivering anti-racist education.
• ITE partnerships to explore linking anti-racist actions to specific points within the professional standards. This would incorporate anti-racism into the structural fabric of ITE across Wales. This coordinated, all-Wales approach will drive consistency, accountability, and long-term cultural change across the sector. Welsh Government and DARPL are available to support and facilitate this work empowering ITE partnerships to lead with purpose and equity.
• ITE partnerships will initiate annual reviews and open discussions on how racist incidents are reported and recorded. These will involve both student teachers and staff. These conversations will help build a clearer understanding of lived experiences. It will inform targeted support strategies that advance a more anti-racist ITE system in Wales.
• DARPL and Welsh Government will explore opportunities to extend anti-racist professional learning and support into newly qualified teacher (NQT) spaces. This will ensure that NQT’s enter the profession with the tools, confidence, and commitment to foster inclusive and equitable classrooms from day one.