The National Association of Black supplementary Schools (NABSS) was founded in March 2007 by Nia Imara, a visionary driven by a commitment to supporting the educational journey of children of Afrikan Heritage. Imara’s personal and professional experiences highlighted a critical need within the community: a unified resource to combat the underachievement of Black children in mainstream education.

The overwhelming obstacle for many families was a lack of information on local supplementary schools. To solve this, Imara established NABSS to create and maintain a UK-wide directory, connecting parents with the supplementary education their children need to excel both academically and culturally.

To celebrate 18 years of tireless work and UK Black History Month, ACExchange and Imara/NABSS have joined forces in a strategic partnership. This collaboration is a testament to our shared mission of uplifting Education in the Black British community.

Our combined effort is focused on developing an updated and comprehensive digital platform. By leveraging the expertise of both organisations, we have not only refreshed the website’s design to mark this significant anniversary but also ensured all historical and cultural details are meticulously maintained and presented. This joint project exemplifies our dedication to both preserving the past and creating a celebratory, forward-looking education resource for the community.

Beyond our directory, NABSS amplifies the voices of supplementary school educators, students, and families through our YouTube channel, which features interviews and highlights of their incredible work. NABSS work is rooted in the belief that access to resources and cultural education is paramount for fostering confidence and achievement. We are a resource and an advocate in ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive.