Equality and Inclusion Day 2025: Professor Jason Arday Inspires the Next Generation

 

Reading Blue Coat welcomed Professor Jason Arday FRSA as part of our Equality and Inclusion Day celebrations.  Jason Arday is a Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, he is the youngest black person to have been appointed to a professorship at Cambridge.  His research interests include social mobility, mental health, neurodiversity and race.  Outside of academia, he has regularly written, featured, and spoken on issues of race and racism in education and society for The Guardian, Times Higher Education (THE), BBC, ITV News, CNN, and more.  He also speaks regularly at national and international conferences, as well as parliamentary, public and community events where he consults and advises on race, cultural studies, intersectionality, education, and social justice.

Professor Arday’s journey is inspiring.  His experiences have shaped his profound social awareness and commitment to inclusivity.  Overcoming significant challenges, including not learning to read or write until the age of 18, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.  His story is a reminder that success isn’t dependant on where you start but on how far you are willing to go.

During his visit, Professor Arday engaged with students across the Lower School, Middle School, and Sixth Form, delivering sessions tailored to each age group.  At the heart of his message was the question: ‘What do you want to be?’  He encouraged students to reflect on their aspirations and urged students to have a strong will and navigate their journeys with humility and authenticity.

Students were keen to get involved and asked insightful questions to which Professor Arday responded candidly, sharing his pride in his journey.  He emphasised the importance of willpower and determination in achieving goals and encouraged students to reflect on their choices, wishing them well for the bright futures that lie ahead.

Professor Arday’s visit was a reminder of our school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and reflective community.  Thank you to Dr Sarah Langdon, Director of EDI, for organising the day.  The day was also a home clothes day, raising funds for Reading Family Aid, supporting local children facing poverty and disadvantage localgiving.org/fundraising/RBCInclusionDay2025.

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