Troy Deeney – Where’s My History? will follow Deeney during his high-profile campaign to make it mandatory to teach the history of black, Asian and minority ethnic experiences in the school curriculum.

A YouGov survey of 1000 primary and secondary school teachers discovered that only 12% of teachers feel confident and empowered to teach ‘optional’ black related topics. 

Deeney’s frustration with the lack of diversity in what students are taught in schools led to him writing an open letter to Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi, Secretary of State for Education.

The letter urged Zahawi to discuss with Deeney the importance and positive impact that teaching black, Asian and minority ethnic histories and experiences in schools will have on all children.

Deeney also set up a public petition, which had over 50,000 signatures and instigated a wider conversation around the topic. 

As a child, Deeney faced his own personal challenges and troubling times at school, which he will open up about in the documentary.

He will also hear from famous contributors such as boxer Anthony Joshua, actor David Harewood MBE, ex-footballer and pundit Micah Richards, musicians Big Narstie and DJ Cuppy and MP Layla Moran.

Plus, he will meet young activists who are campaigning for a change to be made, students and pupils around the country and those who have strong opposing views. 

“As the proud father of four children, three of which are currently in the education system, this topic has moved front and centre in my life," commented Deeney. "I have seen more and more how important it is for my children to be able to see themselves represented in what they are being taught and learn about the contribution and background of people who look like them."

He added: “The current system is failing children from ethnic minorities and over the past 18 months nearly 400,000 people have signed petitions calling for changes to be made to mandate more diversity in the national curriculum, yet the teaching of diversity in schools still remains optional and the government’s stock response has been that it is down to teachers and schools to teach them.

“The importance of education at an early age to inform identity and combat racist beliefs and stereotypes cannot be understated.”

Troy Deeney – Where’s My History? will air on Channel 4 in May 2022.