David Farnor | On 13, Dec 2020

Steve McQueen’s Small Axe concludes this Sunday with Education, and a trailer gives us a first look at the next chapter in the anthology., a new a trailer gives us a first look at the final chapter in the anthology.

The collection of hour-long stories was conceived and written by Steve McQueen with Alastair Siddons and Courttia Newland (Alex Wheatle is a writing consultant). The six films tell five stories all set within London’s West Indian community from the late 1960s to the early 80s. The title Small Axe is derived from a Jamaican proverb that has resonance throughout the Caribbean, “if you are the big tree, we are the small axe”. Small Axe is also the title of a Bob Marley song from 1973 album Catch A Fire. It means that relatively marginal or small voices of dissent can successfully challenge more powerful voices.

Education is the coming-of-age story of 12 year-old Kingsley, a boy with a fascination for astronauts and rockets. When Kingsley is called to the Headmaster’s office for disruptive behaviour in class, he is shocked to discover his transfer to a school for those with ‘special needs’.

Distracted by working two jobs, his parents are unaware of what was an unofficial segregation policy at play, preventing many Black children from having the education they deserve, until a group of West Indian women take matters into their own hands.

Newcomer Kenyah Sandy stars opposite Sharlene Whyte (We Hunt Together, Casualty), Daniel Francis (Once Upon A Time, Homefront), Tamara Lawrance (The Long Song, Kindred) and Josette Simon (Wonder Woman, Silent Witness, Law & Order: UK).

Education premieres at 9pm on BBC One on Sunday 13th December. Here’s the trailer:

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