Political tensions have spilled into classrooms after Reform UK accused a group of south London schools of making “inappropriate and slanderous” links between the party and the Nazis.
The controversy has sparked questions about how political topics are taught in state schools.
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, expressed outrage after learning that teachers at the Orion Education group—an academy trust running eight schools in south London—used his image in teaching materials to illustrate “extremism.”
Allegations of Misleading Political Comparisons
The slides reportedly placed Reform UK to the right of Ukip and alongside the BNP and Nazis on a political spectrum chart used in lessons for Year 10 students.
According to Tice, the materials unfairly associated the party with far-right extremism and created a misleading impression for young learners.
“This is not only factually inaccurate and grossly offensive but also defamatory in nature,” Tice said.
He warned that if Orion Education does not provide “an adequate explanation and satisfactory apology,” he will escalate the matter to the Charity Commission, which oversees academy trusts.
Tice Highlights Breach of Neutrality Guidelines
The controversial lesson content described extremism as “activities that reject British values, are fully intolerant toward others, reject democracy, or reject the existing social order.”
Next to this, Reform UK was outlined as a party advocating stricter immigration policies, deportation of illegal migrants, tax cuts, anti-EU regulations, UK sovereignty, and traditional education policies.
Tice’s legal team has argued that such content breaches educational guidelines and Orion Education’s obligations as a registered charity to maintain political neutrality and balance.
“To present such inflammatory and misleading content to young people is a serious failing in duty and professional responsibility,” Tice added.
Media Coverage and Online Safety Guidance Questioned
The teaching materials also critiqued media coverage, warning students that newspapers like the Daily Mail and The Sun could exaggerate immigration stories with terms like “flood” or “invasion,” framing migrants as a threat.
The lessons advised pupils to rely on “trusted sites like the BBC, the Guardian” instead of other sources such as blogs or YouTube channels.
Additionally, the curriculum included a chance for students to engage with a local Labour MP, while reminding them that Labour represents “just one political party with specific views.”
Orion Education Responds
An Orion Education spokeswoman confirmed that the trust has received Tice’s complaint and is investigating the concerns raised.
The Orion group operates five primary schools and three secondary schools in south London.