Black Student Alleges Racist Abuse at London Private School

A Black sixth-form student at an elite French international school in London has sparked national attention after publicly revealing her experience of racism within the institution.

Gabrielle, a student at Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle — a prestigious school that charges £17,000 a year in tuition and is overseen by the French government — detailed her ordeal in an article published in the school’s newspaper. Her account included shocking allegations of racist abuse, including being called a “monkey” and enduring regular racist jokes spread through WhatsApp groups.

According to The Telegraph, Gabrielle’s piece described an atmosphere where racial slurs and xenophobic comments were brushed off as jokes. One example she cited involved a student saying, “It is better to be dyslexic than Black.” She also wrote that white students casually asked their Black peers for permission to use the N-word, later using the slur freely.

“Racism and xenophobia are deeply embedded across all year groups,” Gabrielle wrote. “Looking back, I realise I’ve always been part of a school environment where this type of behaviour is allowed to persist.”

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She went on to say that derogatory references, including “monkey” insults, were common among students, especially targeting Black girls. Some boys openly expressed a dislike for Black girls, attempting to justify these remarks as jokes.

“These comments have left a lasting impact on me over the last seven years,” she said. “I had to learn to build a shield and reject the cruelty of those who make a sport of these remarks. But not everyone has the strength to do that.”

The school, located in South Kensington and known for famous alumni like actress Jacqueline Bisset and film director Roland Joffé, has now come under scrutiny. In response to Gabrielle’s article, Headteacher Catherine Bellus-Ferreira acknowledged the presence of racism at the school.

“I thought Gabrielle was brave, and I believed her article deserved to be published,” she said. “I didn’t censor it because clearly, she’s raising an issue that must be heard.”

Bellus-Ferreira admitted that the school must do better, adding: “We are not perfect. Denying the existence of racism here would be dishonest. However, I wouldn’t go as far as to label Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle as a racist institution. What’s clear is that this student didn’t find the right adult to talk to or wasn’t properly listened to — and that’s something we cannot ignore.”

Gabrielle’s article has opened up a broader conversation about racism in elite educational institutions and the need for supportive systems that ensure all students feel safe, heard, and respected.

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