London’s First Black Head teacher, Dr. Beryl Gilroy, Honoured with Blue Plaque

On Friday, 6 June 2025, a London Blue plaque was unveiled at NLCS, to honour educational trailblazer Dr. Beryl Gilroy, London’s first Black head teacher and a pioneering figure in British education and literature.

Born in 1924 in Skeldon, British Guiana (now Guyana), Dr. Gilroy began her teaching career in her homeland before moving to the UK in 1951. Despite facing significant racial barriers, she secured a teaching position in East London in 1954. In 1969, she broke new ground by becoming the head teacher of Beckford Primary School in Camden, marking her as the first Black head teacher in London.

Dr. Gilroy’s contributions extended beyond the classroom. She was a prolific writer, with her memoir Black Teacher (1976) offering insights into her experiences in the British education system. Later, she earned a doctorate in counselling psychology and focused on multicultural education at the University of London’s Institute of Education. Her work has had a lasting impact on educational practices and the representation of Black experiences in literature.

The London blue plaque ceremony is 115th by the Nubian Jak Community Trust and is part of a series of events celebrating Black history and acknowledging the achievements of Black Britons. Organised by Black History Walks, the event aims to inspire future generations by commemorating Dr. Gilroy’s legacy.

We were also delighted to welcome Dr Gilroy’s daughter, Darla, and grandson, Marcus, to the event — their presence, and the heartfelt words they shared, served as a powerful reminder of the legacy she leaves behind and the countless lives she continues to inspire. Equally moving was a speech from our own Sixth Form student, Jeslyn, who delivered a thoughtful and articulate reflection on Dr Gilroy’s impact — a testament to how deeply her story resonates with young people today.

North London Collegiate School, founded in 1850 as one of the UK’s first schools for girls, shares Dr. Gilroy’s pioneering spirit. The unveiling of her plaque at the school reflects a shared commitment to education as a force for social progress, and forms part of the school’s wider work with the African Caribbean Education Network (ACEN) to champion equity and inclusion.

Headmistress, Vicky Bingham, said:
“We are deeply honoured to host this plaque for Dr. Beryl Gilroy. As a school that has long championed academic ambition, leadership, and equality, it is a privilege to recognise a woman whose courage and conviction helped to reshape British education. Her story is an inspiration to our students and staff alike.”