About us

Out in Education is an entirely student-run not-for-profit. We were founded at the University of Nottingham in 2013 and have grown year-on-year under the leadership of successive waves of enthusiastic volunteers.

We have three key aims:

1. Tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools

2. Support young LGBT+ people coming to terms with their sexuality

3. Train teachers to organically bring LGBT+ issues into the classroom

We work towards these by delivering assemblies and workshops on a diverse range of topics to students from KS1 to KS5. We also help schools create effective pupil-led anti-bullying policies. Our impact is demonstrated through Ofsted reports, schools displaying pupils’ anti-bullying policies and frequent repeat visits.

All our volunteers are LGBT+ university students who have recently come through the education system, and so can relate to homophobic bullying and coming out at school. As the curriculum does not make LGBT+ education compulsory, many of us felt we couldn’t be ourselves at school. Our aim in every session is to be the person we needed when we were younger and ensure no more students suffer in silence.

Why we do it

Stonewall’s 2017 School Report showed that:

45% of LGBT pupils, including 64% of trans pupils, are bullied for being LGBT at school
86% of LGBT pupils regularly hear phrases such as “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” in school
40% of LGBT pupils are never taught anything about LGBT issues at school, and 77% do not learn about gender identity

We believe that acceptance starts with better education. Bringing LGBT+ concepts into the classroom and setting in motion conversations about different identities during our visits benefits every student in the room.