AbstractThe school experiences of black children in Britain are well documented. Concern has recently been shown by the Department of Education and Science and the Commission for Racial Equality about the supply and recruitment of black teachers in our education system. This paper provides an account of black students' perceptions of racism in initial teacher education and reflects on the implications to teacher educators and their institutions. My research suggests that factors as diverse as accommodation, courses and school placements influence the perceptions of students. In conclusion I argue that black students' experiences need to be as positive as those of their white peers and that the institutions and departments within which they are educated have a direct responsibility to set up adequate procedures to deal with racism at all levels.