A secondary school in Nottinghamshire has issued a formal apology after a classroom display placed contemporary politicians Nigel Farage and Lee Anderson next to images of notorious far-right dictators.
Display Sparks Outrage and Commons Complaint
The incident occurred at Quarrydale Academy in Sutton-in-Ashfield. A display board, intended to illustrate the political spectrum, featured photographs ranging from extreme left-wing to extreme right-wing figures. Among them were former prime ministers like Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, and Boris Johnson.
However, the section labelled "extreme right-wing parties," "Nazi party," and "fascism" included pictures of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and British fascist Oswald Mosley. Placed alongside them were images of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Ashfield MP Lee Anderson.
Mr Anderson, who represents the constituency where the school is located, shared a photo of the display on social media, stating: “This is what our children are being made to look at. Show our kids where to look. They'll make their own minds up.” He later raised the issue in the House of Commons on Wednesday 3 December 2025.
School Launches Review and Issues Apology
Following the complaint, the school swiftly removed the display. Headteacher Tim Paling confirmed the school is conducting an internal review into how political and historical content is presented.
In a statement, Mr Paling said: “The display was a visual aid and intended to prompt discussion about how political ideas are classified in historical contexts. However, we recognise that the placement of certain contemporary political figures within this display could be considered inappropriate or easily misinterpreted.”
He emphasised that the school does not endorse any political viewpoint and that the display was part of lessons on 20th-century European political ideologies. “Quarrydale Academy would like to apologise for any concerns, offence or distress this situation may have caused,” he added.
Minister Stresses Rules on Political Impartiality
The incident prompted a response from the government. Education minister Georgia Gould addressed the issue, reiterating the strict rules on political impartiality in schools.
She stated: “We have strict rules about political impartiality within our education system and we are clear about those rules. All schools should apply them.”
The headteacher insisted the school is now reviewing its processes to ensure context is always clear and that materials cannot be misconstrued. The school is in contact with parents, governors, and other stakeholders as the review continues.
