REPTON PREP BECOMES A STEPHEN LAWRENCE AMBASSADOR SCHOOL THANKS TO BARNEY

The Week Junior Magazine has awarded Year 8 pupil Barney B with a year’s subscription to the magazine for his outstanding anti-racism work, which Barney has generously donated to our School.  

Ahead of Stephen Lawrence Day Barney approached Deputy Head Mrs Krabacevic to ask if Repton Prep could become a Stephen Lawrence Ambassador School. Stephen Lawrence Day was launched following the needless death of Stephen in 1993 as he walked home from his uncle’s house. He was attacked by a group of white boys who used racist language before stabbing him to death.   

Barney and his classmate Henry B wrote and presented an assembly to Upper Prep, sharing how Stephen died at the hands of racists, the lack of justice he and his family received and told his peers how Stephen’s mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, launched a foundation in her son’s name to help young people access education and training in order to reach their potential. Barney also challenged pupils to write a poem inspired by Stephen’s story and each form ran different activities revolved around inclusivity and championing anti-racism during the course of the week.  

As the overall winner of The Week Junior’s ‘Say No To Racism’ competition, there was a feature about his assembly in the magazine and Barney was featured on the cover - he will also meet Baroness Lawrence over Zoom to learn more about her work and share his ideas for further supporting the anti-racism movement.  

Barney said: “I read about the search for Stephen Lawrence Ambassador Schools and wanted to get involved so I met with Mrs K to discuss how we could raise awareness and create a fairer society in school and beyond. When we shared Stephen’s story with Upper Prep they were shocked. I’m glad I had the courage to speak in assembly and create change.” 

Barney also raised money to buy a bench for the school in memory of Stephen Lawrence, which features a plaque that reads: ‘In memory of Stephen Lawrence and a legacy of change may those who sit here be reminded of the importance of tolerance and equality for all. Supported by Barney B 2022’.