More than 800 incidents of racism were recorded in Cardiff schools over a one-year period, according to data obtained by Cardiff Council. A written question from Cllr Bablin Molik revealed that 805 instances of racism were recorded between June 2025 and June 2026, a decrease from 856 incidents in the previous year.
Charity Leaders Express Shock
Aliya Mohammed, CEO of anti-racism charity Race Equality First, described the figures as a “wake-up call.” She stated: “While there has been a modest reduction in some categories of recorded incidents, the fact that more than 800 incidents of racism were recorded in Cardiff schools in a single year demonstrates that racism remains deeply embedded within parts of our education system.”
Mohammed emphasised that for children experiencing racism, these are “not just statistics” but “represent repeated experiences of exclusion, humiliation and discrimination during some of the most formative years of their lives.”
Stain on Collective Conscience
Professor Uzo Iwobi CBE, chief executive of Race Council Cymru, called the figures “both shocking and heartbreaking.” She said: “The fact that Cardiff schools recorded more than 800 incidents of racism in the past year alone is a stain on our collective conscience. Whilst any reduction in reported incidents is welcome, these numbers remain far too high. We must never allow ourselves to become desensitised to statistics of this magnitude. Every single incident represents a failure to protect a child and uphold their right to learn in safety and dignity.”
In 2022, the Welsh Government launched an action plan with the goal of making Wales anti-racist by 2030. However, Professor Iwobi noted that the figures are a “stark reminder that ambition alone is not enough.”
Council Response
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “Racism and religious prejudice have no place in our schools or communities. While it is encouraging that reported incidents have decreased compared with the same period last year, one incident is one too many and we remain fully committed to working with schools and communities to eliminate this behaviour and ensure every child can learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected and included.”
The council’s Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS) works closely with schools to create inclusive environments, including preventing and responding to racist incidents, strengthening policies, and providing training. EMTAS also supports initiatives such as Schools of Sanctuary, the Linking Network programme, the Day of Welcome, and work linked to the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, aiming to “help schools embed anti-racist approaches, celebrate diversity and build stronger understanding between pupils from different backgrounds.”
