Emily

Etta, my part-time assistant and I.
Image:Emma Baldwin photography

The Primary Art class was founded by Emily Gopaul, a London-born art educator, artist and art education consultant of Indo-Guyanese descent. Her pronouns are she/her/hers. With extensive experience in teaching and leading art in both primary and secondary schools, Emily has established herself as a respected figure in the field of art education.

Emily authored the book “Teaching Primary Art and Design” in 2018, sharing her ideas for effective practices and lessons. 

Currently, Emily operates through her company, The Primary Art Class, where she works as an art educational consultant and advocate. Her expertise is sought after by educational and cultural organizations. Emily has worked  with renowned institutions such as Teach First, Findel, Tate, BBC Bitesize, BBC Teach, The Crafts Council, Freelands Gallery (Artistteacher), NSEAD, and The Thackray Museum, among others.

Emily engages directly with schools and conducts Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events. She is passionate about art education and welcomes opportunities to discuss her interests and work, as well as to foster collaborations and 

As a lifelong learner, Emily’s consultancy and advocacy practice continues to evolve and adapt. By staying up to date with the latest developments in education and art, Emily ensures that her perspectives and offerings remain relevant and contribute to positive and inclusive change. Drawing from her nearly two decades of classroom experience, she grounds her work in real-life practices, maintaining a practical and impactful approach.

Furthermore, Emily actively collaborates with the National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD) on their anti-racist initiatives. She is deeply passionate about ensuring that art education is not only inclusive but also actively works against racism. Emily believes in the transformative power of art and its potential to challenge societal biases and promote equity. Through her work with NSEAD and other platforms, she advocates for anti-racist practices and strives to create learning environments where every student feels valued and represented.