The Fairfield community takes part in Colourism research project

Since last year Fairfield has been working with King’s College London regarding the experiences, impact and required future proofing relating to Colourism and the impact this form of discrimination can have on people.

Researchers visited Fairfield and spoke with staff from all areas and levels of the school, including Senior Leadership Team, pastoral and the admin team.

They followed this up by speaking with a variety of students across the school, in a 1:1 setting with lived experience, knowledge of colourism or advocates for change, and in some cases students had limited knowledge but were able to engage through learning and signposting. 

Researchers then spoke with small groups of students about the types of questions that would be needed in a survey to ascertain how to continue to roll out their research – this is the first of its kind from a British perspective, often research on Colourism is from an American lens.

Following feedback from students, researchers revised their questions (gathered from young people both across the city and nationally) before the launch of the survey for which students are actively participating.

The outcome will be a resource that schools can use that sits alongside the research paper for companies and institutions (including educational settings) to engage with and implement. 

Given the sensitive and highly emotive topic being discussed, well-being support and grounding techniques were discussed, demonstrated and encouraged throughout the process.