Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe A Reform UK government would ban diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives in schools and colleges, and appoint Whitehall enforcers to ensure compliance. Following the riots that took place in Belfast and Southampton amid growing racial tensions, Reform UK’s leader Nigel Farage revealed his plans in an essay titled ‘Britain is a two tier state – against white people’ taking aim against what he calls the “toxic ideology of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)” and claiming that “every section of the state” has been “ideologically compromised”. He added that in the education sector, “bureaucrats are more interested in diversity than the educational success of the largest group of pupils”. Under a Reform UK government, Farage said national and local government bodies would be prohibited from engaging in or promoting DEI. “To ensure democratic accountability, political appointments will be appointed from Westminster into public bodies with a mandate to enforce bans on DEI at a ground level,” he said. When asked whether ‘public bodies’ included state-funded education organisations such as FE colleges, schools and sixth form colleges, a Reform UK spokesperson responded: “Yes. Under a Reform government, the progressive indoctrination of our children will end. “Schools will only commemorate accepted civic events, such as St George’s Day/other national days or D-Day.” Flying the flag Farage also spoke of the curriculum changes he wants to usher in. He said his government would “end the ideological capture of our classrooms and ensure every pupil in England receives a balanced and patriotic education”. Every school would be required to fly the union flag, honour St George’s Day in England and mount an official portrait of the King in a visible communal space. Reform UK’s spokesperson did not respond when asked by FE Week whether colleges and sixth forms would need to follow these rules. A new history curriculum would be launched, which Farage said would be “rooted in honouring our island story with pride”. There would be no public funding under Reform UK for research or courses attempting to “decolonise” the curriculum. Farage also said that pupils should not be “forced” to celebrate Black History Month, Pride Month and Refugee Week. He claimed that in education, white children were being “left behind”, and “the teachers who should be looking out for them are lecturing them about ‘white privilege’, telling them about their ‘responsibility’ to reduce racism, telling them it is impossible for black people to be racist towards those with white skin”. He pointed to the equality policy of Langley School, a secondary run by the Collaborative Education Trust in Solihull, which he said contains a “fascinating glimpse into how our institutions think”. Stating that 23 per cent of its pupils are eligible for free school meals and almost half are white British, he said the school promised “embedding EDI within teaching and resources”, “promoting community cohesion” and “instilling in pupils an awareness of prejudice”. FE Week has approached the school for comment. Leaders hit back Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said it was “ridiculous” to suggest, as Farage had, that schools and college classrooms had been ideologically captured. “We completely refute Nigel Farage’s characterisation. Schools and colleges do endeavour to make pupils of all backgrounds feel welcome and supported, and they promote respect and tolerance. These are values which we believe are integral to a peaceful and harmonious society. “Mr Farage’s plan to appoint political commissars to enforce bans on certain events and celebrations in schools and colleges sounds a little like something that could have come out of the Soviet Union. It is chilling.” David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, pointed out that colleges serve “highly diverse student populations with people of all ages, races, religions, and with and without disabilities” and that “with everyone, they try to meet their needs to ensure they can succeed”. He added: “That is not ideological or political, it is simply living by the values which colleges hold dear – everyone matters and the aim is that everyone can belong in the college, for who they are, what they can do and what they want to achieve. “Colleges are inclusive, caring, fair places where students can succeed and where the diversity in our society is celebrated. I do not recognise the world that is being described in this essay and would be very happy to offer Nigel Farage the chance to visit some colleges to learn more about the fantastic places they are. I am sure he would be impressed and pleased with what he saw.” Reform UK also intends to repeal the Equality Act and ban any recruitment, training or promotion policies that favour one group over another. Farage claimed that in the NHS, a “flood of incoming international graduates” have left doctors coming through Britain’s medical schools who have “consistently better performance than their international peers”, unable to find speciality training places and jobs.
Noel Johnson 17 June 2026 I agree that all children, young people and adults in the British education system, regardless of race or background, should have a strong understanding of British history, culture and institutions. A shared understanding of our history helps create social & community cohesion, as well as a sense of national identity. I also have concerns about DEI initiatives when they move beyond ensuring equal treatment & opportunity & begin categorising people primarily by race, ethnicity or other group identities. People should be judged on their character, effort & ability, rather than being seen first as members of a particular group. Similarly, while discrimination absolutely exists & must be challenged wherever it occurs, I’m not comfortable with teaching concepts such as white privilege in ways that can imply that people are inherently privileged or disadvantaged because of their race alone. Economic background, family circumstances, education, geography & personal experiences can have a significant impact on people’s opportunities & life outcomes, regardless of race. For me, the goal should be equality of opportunity, a balanced and impartial understanding of Britain’s history, & treating every citizen equally under the law, rather than encouraging people to view themselves or others primarily by their race.
Earthling 17 June 2026 I wonder whether we’ll still be able to spell the word colour with a U or be forced to express dates in an illogical sequence?
Dave Spart 22 June 2026 “end the ideological capture of our classrooms and ensure every pupil in England receives a balanced and patriotic education”. Hard to imagine a neater encapsulation of the lies, gaslighting and hypocrisy that Reform represent.