Welcome
A warm welcome to the ASCL Ethnic Diversity Community (previously the ASCL BAME Leaders' Network), a warm and collaborative space where education leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds - and their allies - come together to share experiences, support one another, and contribute towards meaningful, structural change across the education sector.
Who is this community for?
This network is for school and college leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and for allies who are committed to advancing equity in educational leadership. Whether you're seeking peer support, wanting to share your lived experiences, looking to influence policy, or standing alongside colleagues to drive systemic change, you belong here. This network is free, included as part of your ASCL membership, and shaped by the voices and priorities of our members.
The aims of this community
Guided by our members, this network aims to:
- Navigate leadership challenges together: connect with peers who understand your experiences and share practical strategies for the unique challenges faced by ethnically diverse leaders.
- Influence policy and drive change: share your experiences and priorities with ASCL, who will actively listen and act on behalf of our members to bring about structural changes across the education sector.
- Support career progression: access mentoring, coaching, and professional development pathways designed to support your leadership journey.
- Share knowledge and best practice: learn from guest speakers, engage in research and evidence-based discussions, and exchange insights with colleagues.
- Build authentic professional relationships: find peer support, professional solidarity, and a space where you can lead as your authentic self.
Register to join
To join the ASCL Ethnic Diversity Community and attend our upcoming sessions, please complete the online form below.
Join our group on LinkedIn
ASCL members may also be interested in joining our free ASCL Ethnic Diversity community on LinkedIn, where you can keep up to date with meetings, share resources, and collaborate between sessions.
If you'd like to join, visit LinkedIn or contact Sharon Ealing, PLC Manager.
Our meetings in 2025-26 are scheduled to start at 6pm and conclude at 7pm. All our sessions are underpinned by our values of curiosity, kindness, integrity and courage.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community.
Gary Mullings
Chair, ASCL Ethnic Diversity Community and a co-opted member of ASCL Council Curriculum and Assessment Committee
Headteacher, Vyners School
Hamira Shah
Deputy Chair, ASCL Ethnic Diversity Community
Deputy Headteacher, North Huddersfield Trust School
Coaching
One of the most valued aspects of our network is the opportunity for coaching and mentoring relationships. We believe these connections are highly effective strategies for supporting leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds. If you would like to get in touch with any of the leaders who have kindly offered to act as coaches and mentors, please contact them via the email link in their bios detailed below.