In the UK, Black boys are three times more likely to be permanently excluded from school than their white peers (DfE, 2024). Behind this statistic lies a crisis of representation and systemic inequity: only 1% of UK teachers are Black men, and too many Black boys are labeled as “disruptive” instead of “brilliant”. Black Men Teach CIC is on a mission to change this narrative through mentoring, academic support, and teacher training. At Black Funding Network (BFN), we’re proud to stand behind their vision—and on 16 April 2026, we’re inviting you to join us in supporting their work. Here’s how BFN’s partnership is helping them reduce school exclusions and build the next generation of Black male educators.
The Crisis: Educational Inequity for Black Boys
- Exclusion Rates: Black Caribbean boys are 4x more likely to be excluded from school than the national average.
- Representation Gap: Only 1% of teachers are Black men, compared to 13% of the UK’s Black population (NAHT, 2023).
- Outcome Disparities: Black boys are half as likely to achieve top GCSE grades as their white peers (Education Policy Institute, 2023).
Black Men Teach CIC’s Response:
“We’re not just mentoring boys—we’re building a pipeline of Black male educators who can change the system from within.”—Johnoi Josephs, Founder
How We Can Support Black Men Teach CIC
At BFN, we believe in trusting Black-led organisations to know what’s best for their communities. Our support, through crowdfunding at our Spring Funder on 16 April, for Black Men Teach will provide:
1. Funding for Core Programmes
Black Men Teach is seeking £6,000 to deliver a structured programme of early intervention and academic support across London schools. This funding will strengthen their mentoring pipeline and increase access to high-quality learning resources, including:
- Workshops (Dear Black Boys, Thriving in Secondary School, Redefining Masculinity) in 10 schools, focusing on identity, aspiration, and challenging stereotypes.
- A 14-week Values Programme in 5 schools, providing group and 1-1 mentoring, parental engagement, and cultural experiences for 50 boys.
- A one-year licence for Exam Solutions, an online maths platform offering video tutorials and revision support for 100 mentees.
2. Pro Bono Partnerships
Through BFN’s network, Black Men Teach accesses:
- Legal support from firms like Reed Smith LLP to navigate contracts and governance.
- Corporate volunteers who serve as mentors and workshop facilitators.
3. Platform for Growth
BFN’s Spring Funder on 16 April will give Black Men Teach a live platform to pitch their vision to donors, philanthropists, and community leaders. Your attendance and support will help them secure the £6,000 needed to:
- Remove financial barriers for schools in lower-income areas.
- Train and retain Black male mentors.
- Provide academic resources to close the attainment gap.
The Impact: What £6,000 Will Achieve
Why This Matters
- Representation saves lives: Black students with at least one Black teacher are 13% more likely to enrol in university (Johns Hopkins, 2017).
- Mentoring reduces exclusions: Schools with Black Men Teach’s programmes report 30% fewer exclusions among Black boys.
- Academic confidence soars: Mentees are 2x more likely to pursue higher education or apprenticeships.
Testimonial from a Past Participant:
“Before Black Men Teach, I thought I wasn’t smart enough for university. Now I’m applying—and I want to be a teacher too.”—Mentee, Age 16
How You Can Support on 16 April
- Attend the Spring Funder:
- Date: 16 April 2026, 6–9:30 PM
- Location: London (venue TBC)
- What to expect: Hear Black Men Teach’s pitch live, vote to allocate funds, and meet the boys and mentors benefiting from the programme.
- Donate Now:
- £50 sponsors one boy’s participation in a Dear Black Boys workshop.
- £250 funds a mentor for a term.
- £600 provides Exam Solutions access for 10 mentees.
- Spread the Word:
- Share Black Men Teach’s story on social media with #BFNSpringFunder.
- Tag @BlackFundingNetwork and @BlackMenTeach to rally your network.
Meet the Team
Johnoi Josephs, founder of Black Men Teach CIC, is a former teacher and youth worker who saw too many Black boys labeled as “disruptive” instead of “brilliant”. His team includes:
- Black male educators with decades of classroom experience.
- Mentors who’ve navigated the school system themselves.
- Partners like universities and schools committed to diversifying teaching staff.
“We’re not just changing boys—we’re changing the system that failed them.”—Johnoi Josephs
Call to Action: Join Us on 16 April
Black Men Teach CIC is £6,000 away from transforming education for Black boys in London. Your presence, your vote, and your donation will help them reach 500 boys, train mentors, and reduce school exclusions.
- Book your ticket for the Spring Funder.
- Donate today to kickstart their campaign.
- Follow @BlackMenTeach and share their story with your network.
“This is how we rewrite the future—one boy, one mentor, one classroom at a time.”—Johnoi Josephs
Conclusion
At BFN, we’re committed to supporting Black-led organisations that drive systemic change. Black Men Teach CIC is rewriting the future for Black boys in London—one mentor, one teacher, and one classroom at a time. Join us on 16 April to be part of this movement. Together, we can help them hit their £6,000 goal and build a more equitable education system.