Reform UK has unveiled a sweeping education policy that would require every school in England to display a portrait of the King, fly the Union Jack, and implement a 'patriotic' curriculum focused on British history, including the empire. Announcing the plans ahead of St George's Day, the party led by Nigel Farage stated that if it wins the next election, all schools would be mandated to honour the patron saint's day as part of a broader effort to 'end the ideological capture of our classrooms'.
Curriculum Overhaul to Foster National Pride
The party's education spokesman, Suella Braverman, accused previous governments of using schools to 'promote their mass migration agenda', arguing that children are currently taught to feel 'ashamed' of Britain's past. Reform UK proposes a new history curriculum designed to 'honour our island story with pride', with British history comprising at least 60% of the content. This curriculum would highlight events such as the Magna Carta, the Wars of the Roses, the English Civil War, the Glorious Revolution, the Act of Union, the Enlightenment, and Victorian Britain, aiming to reflect a 'patriotic' narrative rather than one 'retrofitted to justify mass immigration'.
Symbolic Measures and School Requirements
Under the plans, every school would be required to display the King's portrait in a common area visible to all students. The party noted that in 2024, only 34% of state-funded schools accepted a free portrait offer, a figure they aim to increase to 100%. Additionally, all schools would have to fly the Union Jack, with Reform UK funding flagpoles dedicated exclusively to the national flag. These measures would extend to devolved nations, where Scotland and Wales would fly their respective flags and celebrate their national days.
Addressing Perceived Failures in Education
Ms. Braverman criticised both Tory and Labour governments for failing young people with a 'substandard curriculum' that she claims undermines academic rigour and national identity. She emphasised that Reform UK's approach would 'rekindle national pride' and ensure every child leaves school understanding 'what a privilege it is to be British'. The party cited a Policy Exchange survey showing only 20% of 18-24-year-olds have a positive view of Winston Churchill and only 41% of Gen Z are proud to be British, using this as justification for change.
Political Context and Electoral Prospects
The announcement comes amid polling suggesting Reform UK could perform well in upcoming local elections, particularly in London. A YouGov MRP poll predicts the party may lead in Labour-run Barking and Dagenham, Conservative-run Bromley, and Havering, which is under no overall control. Nigel Farage has previously stated that Reform UK has a 'very real chance' of winning in 'half a dozen' London boroughs, potentially challenging established parties.
Reform UK, which has appointed former Tory minister Suella Braverman as its education spokeswoman, also indicated that these patriotic schools could be established through the free school system, allowing for greater flexibility in implementation. The party's broader goal is to shift educational focus away from what they describe as a 'progressive lens' and toward teaching the 'true story' of Britain, celebrating its historical figures and freedoms.
