Why Many BAME Parents Don’t Fully Understand the UK School System – And Why That’s Not Their Fault
At Cohesive Society CIC, we regularly meet brilliant, hardworking, deeply committed parents from Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Somali, Arab, African, and other minority communities across Northamptonshire who all share one quiet concern:
“I don’t fully understand how the UK school system works.”
And here’s the truth: that is completely understandable.
The System Is Complex—Even for Natives
The UK education system is layered and technical. There are:
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Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
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Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4
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GCSEs and A-Levels
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T-Levels and BTECs
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Apprenticeships
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University pathways
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Ofsted inspections
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SATs, phonics screening, Progress 8 scores
For many parents who grew up abroad, education looked very different. In countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, or Somalia, systems may be more exam-heavy, less coursework-based, or structured around completely different grading models.
So when a UK school talks about “targets,” “predicted grades,” “EHCP,” “pupil premium,” or “SEND support,” it can feel overwhelming.
Language Is Only Part of the Barrier
Yes, limited English can make school letters confusing. But even fluent English-speaking parents struggle because the terminology is technical.
Take phrases like
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“Working towards expected standard”
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“Greater depth”
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“Baseline assessment”
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“Catch-up funding”
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“Attainment gap”
These aren’t everyday words. Without explanation, they create distance between parents and schools.
Cultural Differences Matter
In many BAME communities:
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Teachers are rarely questioned.
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Parents don’t attend regular school meetings.
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The idea of emailing teachers directly is unfamiliar.
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Challenging a school decision can feel disrespectful.
In the UK, however, schools expect parental involvement. Parents are encouraged to ask questions, request meetings, and advocate for their children.
This cultural gap can unintentionally disadvantage children whose parents feel unsure how to engage.
Digital Systems Create New Barriers
Schools now rely heavily on:
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Online homework portals
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Parent apps
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Email communication
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Digital attendance systems
For older parents or those with low digital confidence, this becomes a serious barrier. Missing a login email can mean missing important information about exams, trips, or behavioural concerns.
The Emotional Impact
Many parents quietly worry:
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“Am I failing my child?”
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“Should I understand this better?”
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“What if I make the wrong decision?”
This anxiety can lead to disengagement—not because parents don’t care, but because they feel embarrassed to ask.
At Cohesive Society CIC, we see the opposite: BAME parents care deeply. They want the best for their children. They simply need clearer guidance.
So what’s the solution?
We believe in:
✔ Community-based school system workshops
✔ Simple explanations of key stages and exams
✔ Help reading school letters
✔ Digital confidence training
✔ One-to-one support for parents
✔ Building confidence to attend parents’ evenings
When parents understand the system, children thrive.
This Is About Empowerment, Not Blame
The UK education system was not designed with immigrant families in mind. It assumes prior knowledge.
Bridging this gap is not about criticising schools or blaming parents. It’s about inclusion.
When parents feel confident:
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Attendance improves
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Behaviour improves
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Academic outcomes improve
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Children feel supported at home
And communities become stronger.
At Cohesive Society CIC, we are committed to supporting BAME parents to navigate the UK education system with confidence and clarity.
Because when parents understand the system, they don’t just support their children—they unlock their future.
