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The Co@BN core–shell structure boosts dye-sensitized photocatalysis under shell by confined effect and improvement of the tandem electron transfer. • High EY-sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity was achieved. • Enhanced adsorption of EY and Co/BN Schottky junction promotes the electron transfer. • The confined space was a nanoreactor boosting the reduction of H+ to H 2 under shell. • The magnetic recyclability makes Co@BN favorable for its practical application. The Co@BN core–shell nanostructure of Co core and boron nitride (BN) shell was prepared through a facile one-step thermal treatment. The as-prepared Co@BN nanocomposites exhibited excellent dye-sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity (13.78 mmol h−1 g−1) with visible light and the apparent quantum yield was 1.15%. The enhanced adsorption of EY on the BN shell and the Co/BN Schottky junction facilitate the tandem transfer of photo-generated carriers to the Co surface. Moreover, the core–shell interface serves as a nanoreactor boosting the reduction of H+ to H 2 on the Co surface. Additionally, the magnetic recyclability makes Co@BN favorable for its practical application. This work extends the application of the "photocatalysis under shell" and has potential in dye-sensitized solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]