This study investigated the national and ethnic identities of British Indian and Pakistani adolescents. Identities are fluid and complex, and therefore the study looked at a number of different factors which shape the way adolescents feel about themselves. These factors included patriotism, context, self-categorisation, racism, cultural practices and institutional trust. This paper, in particular, covers the significance of being British, acculturation and context. The interviews reveal a complex interplay of identities at different levels (public and private, for example), as well as ways in which acculturation practices are far more complex than leading models would suggest. Moreover, there is a need for researchers to move away from essentialising individuals and groups, whilst also understanding that these individuals and groups may essentialise themselves to understand their own identities.