Reform UK has accused a chain of English academies of imposing “deep socialist bias” on pupils after politics lessons equated the party’s immigration policies with fascism. The row centres on Orion Education, which runs eight academies in south-east London and Kent. A parent alerted Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice to Year 10 lesson materials that placed the party near the fascist end of a political spectrum diagram, alongside the far-right British National Party (BNP).

As reported by The Telegraph, the PowerPoint presentations linked Reform’s calls for lower immigration, deportation of illegal migrants, and stricter border controls to the spread of “hate, xenophobia, and racism”. One slide read: “Whilst not extreme or ‘far-Right’, Reform has increased public debate around immigration and national identity… however, this has fuelled anti-immigrant feeling across Britain, which extremists have exploited to spread hate… normalising far-Right views.”

Mr Tice was pictured on a slide headed “How can political views lead to extremism?”.

The lessons also criticised the St George’s Cross as a “provocative and exclusionary symbol used by far-Right groups” and advised pupils to rely on “trusted” sources such as BBC News, The Guardian, and Parliament.uk, while warning against The Daily Mail and The Sun for their “dramatic headlines” on migrant “invasions” that allegedly fuel fear exploited by extremists.

There was no reference to far-left groups such as Antifa or left-wing extremism.

Reform UK, rebranded from the Brexit Party in January 2021 under the leadership of Clacton MP Nigel Farage, has surged in popularity amid public frustration over immigration and economic pressures. Mr Tice, MP for Boston and Skegness, serves as deputy leader.

Recent polls show the party ahead of Labour, with particular strength on Channel migrant crossings—36,734 arrivals recorded in 2025 so far, according to Home Office figures. It won five seats in the 2024 general election and eyes gains in next year’s local contests.

Mr Tice described the lessons as a “breach of employment contracts”. He said: “Left-wing teachers are imposing their deep socialist political bias on children.

“They should be neutral in helping students learn all sides of politics.

“It is notable that no reference was made to Antifa, nor violent extremism from the far Left. I am appalled but not surprised by this bias from a primarily Left-wing academic community.”

The materials tied Reform’s rise to the “Unite the Kingdom” rally by far-right activist Tommy Robinson in July 2025, which attracted thousands amid unrest over asylum policies.

A slide noted: “Polls show that British citizens are concerned about asylum seekers and illegal migration, which is fuelling anti-immigration sentiment and extremism.”

A staff note, not shown to pupils, stressed neutrality: “This is a very current political issue and public safety concern. It is also important that our own political bias does not impact what we tell students. We are simply stating the facts around what is happening and that far-Right and extreme views are harmful.”

Orion Education has initiated an investigation, first reported by The Mail on Sunday. Chief executive Simon Garrill said: “We have begun an investigation into the lessons…it will be a fair and thorough process after the half-term break.” The trust serves about 5,000 pupils, many in deprived areas where Reform’s “protect British jobs” messaging finds favour.

The episode fits a pattern of Reform complaints about classroom bias, with party officials citing a “rising number” of cases. The Department for Education mandates “balanced” teaching but has been criticised for weak oversight.

In October 2025, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson outlined plans for a schools white paper emphasising national renewal through education.

Reform has called for a government review.

Teaching unions have pushed back. In April 2025, the National Education Union described Reform UK as a “far-right and racist party”.

The dispute highlights deepening fault lines in education ahead of the 2026 locals, with Reform casting itself as a defender against “woke” curricula.

An Orion Academy spokesman said: “We are in receipt of the letter from Mr Tice and are currently investigating the concerns he has raised.”