The Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, Kim Johnson, is pushing for a public inquiry into the historical injustice where black children were incorrectly labeled as “educationally subnormal” and placed in special schools for physically and mentally disabled students. Johnson is demanding that Keir Starmer bring justice to survivors and bring to light the lasting effects of this practice on the education system.
There is still uncertainty regarding how many black children were sent to “educationally subnormal” (ESN) schools in the 1960s and 70s without proper support. Johnson participated in a debate in parliament on Wednesday evening, where she emphasized the persistent presence of “racist barriers” in education that have evolved from the policies and attitudes associated with the ESN scandal.
Exclusions from schools and higher incarceration rates in prisons can be directly linked to the closure of ESN schools in the 1980s. Johnson expressed concern that certain groups of children are denied opportunities to take exams at certain levels, leading to limitations in their educational progression, including access to universities.
Survivors, activists, lawyers, educational experts, and psychologists shared their personal experiences and impact of the “systematic failure” in parliament on Tuesday prior to the debate. Noel Gordon, one survivor, recounted being classed as a dunce and placed in a special needs school, where he endured years of abuse. Another survivor, Rene Stephens, broke down in tears while recounting his physical and sexual assaults in the education system, both of which went unaddressed.
Denise Davidson, who did not attend a special school in Jamaica, expressed disbelief at seeing her friends in such situations upon moving to England. Her mother was discouraged from transferring her to a regular school, as teachers believed it was in her best interest to stay in her current school, labeling her a “cretin.”
Johnson stated that similar exclusionary systems still exist today, with black children being disproportionately placed in pupil referral units and alternative provisions, contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. She stressed that survivors’ testimonies serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing consequences of this injustice.
Catherine McKinnell, the education minister, stated that the government is not planning to establish a public inquiry at present but remains committed to creating a society that values and ensures equal opportunities for all.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/13/mp-calls-for-inquiry-into-labelling-of-black-pupils-as-educationally-subnormal
