Dr. Beryl Gilroy Honoured with Blue Plaque for Pioneering Leadership as London’s First Black Head Teacher

A long-overdue tribute is finally arriving for one of London’s quiet heroes of education and culture. This week, Dr. Beryl Gilroy — the city’s first Black head teacher — will be celebrated with a historic blue plaque at a North London school.

Blue Plaque Ceremony Celebrates a Trailblazer in British Education

On Friday, June 6, 2025, a blue plaque will be unveiled at North London Collegiate School in Stanmore. The plaque honours Dr. Beryl Gilroy, a groundbreaking educator, psychologist, and writer who left a lasting mark on British schools and literature.

The ceremony is organized by the Nubian Jak Community Trust, a group known for celebrating Black British pioneers. This plaque will be the 115th in their series, continuing their work to highlight the achievements of Black Britons who shaped UK society in powerful ways.

Dr. Beryl Gilroy: From British Guiana to London’s Classrooms

Born in 1924 in Skeldon, British Guiana (now Guyana), Beryl Gilroy moved to the United Kingdom in 1951. Though opportunities for Black teachers were rare at the time, she began teaching in East London by 1954.

Fifteen years later, Dr. Gilroy made national headlines when she took on the role of head teacher at Beckford Primary School in Camden. She was the first Black person to lead a school in London — a powerful symbol in a city still wrestling with racial inequality.

A Legacy Beyond the Classroom: Author, Psychologist, Educator

While leading schools was one part of her life’s work, Dr. Gilroy was also an accomplished writer. In 1976, she published Black Teacher, a memoir sharing the challenges and lessons from her early years navigating Britain’s school system.

Her impact extended into higher education as well. Dr. Gilroy earned a doctorate in counselling psychology and worked at the University of London’s Institute of Education, where she focused on multicultural education and mentoring future teachers.

North London Collegiate School Hosts Historic Tribute

The plaque unveiling at North London Collegiate School, founded in 1850, signals more than just a tribute to the past. It reflects the school’s ongoing efforts with the African Caribbean Education Network (ACEN) to build a fairer, more inclusive education system.

Headmistress Vicky Bingham shared her pride, saying:
“We are deeply honoured to host this plaque for Dr. Beryl Gilroy. Her courage and conviction helped reshape British education. Her story inspires our students and staff alike.”

Honouring a Woman Who Opened Doors for Many

The blue plaque serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering those who cleared the path for others. Dr. Gilroy’s leadership wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a milestone for Black British communities and a moment of pride for London’s education system.

Events like this help ensure that new generations of students learn about those who stood tall before them. As Britain continues to grapple with its history, stories like Dr. Gilroy’s show the power of determination, talent, and grace in the face of adversity.