Reform UK has announced plans to introduce a new history curriculum focused on British achievements, require schools to display the King's portrait and fly the Union Jack, and address what they see as a decline in national pride among young people.
Reform UK has unveiled a comprehensive plan to reshape the national curriculum and instill a stronger sense of British identity within schools, should they achieve victory in the upcoming general election.
The proposals, announced in anticipation of St George's Day, mandate that every school in England prominently display a portrait of the King and fly the Union Jack. Beyond symbolic gestures, the core of the Reform UK platform centers on a revised history curriculum designed to present a 'patriotic' account of Britain's past, emphasizing its achievements and contributions to global civilization.
This curriculum would dedicate a minimum of 60% of classroom time to British history, focusing on pivotal 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 the Victorian era. The party argues that current educational practices have been unduly influenced by 'progressive' ideologies, leading to a diminished understanding and appreciation of British heritage.
Suella Braverman, Reform's education spokeswoman, has been particularly vocal in her criticism of previous governments, accusing them of prioritizing a 'mass migration agenda' over the cultivation of national pride. She contends that children are being taught to feel 'ashamed' of Britain's historical complexities and are not adequately exposed to the stories of those who fought for freedom and shaped the nation.
This assertion is supported by a recent survey conducted by Policy Exchange, which revealed that only 20% of 18-24 year-olds hold a positive view of Winston Churchill, a figure traditionally revered as a national hero. Furthermore, the survey indicated that a mere 41% of Gen Z (18-27 year-olds) express pride in their British identity.
Reform UK believes that by presenting a 'true story' of Britain, free from what they perceive as a biased 'progressive lens', they can rectify this perceived decline in national sentiment. The party also proposes enabling the establishment of new schools through the free school system, potentially allowing for the implementation of their curriculum in a wider range of educational institutions.
The plan extends to the devolved nations of Scotland and Wales, acknowledging their distinct national identities by allowing them to fly their respective flags and celebrate their own national days, while still adhering to the core principles of a British-focused curriculum. The implementation of these policies would involve more than just curriculum changes and symbolic displays. Reform UK intends to fund the installation of flagpoles in all schools, specifically designed to fly only the Union Jack.
This measure underscores the party's commitment to visibly asserting British identity within the educational environment. The party’s stance is rooted in a belief that a strong national identity is crucial for social cohesion and future prosperity. Ms. Braverman emphasized that successive Conservative and Labour governments have failed to adequately prepare young people, offering a curriculum that she deems 'substandard' and detrimental to both academic rigor and national identity.
She pledged that, as Education Secretary, she would introduce a new curriculum that would 'rekindle national pride' and instill in every child a sense of the 'privilege' of being British. This ambitious plan comes amidst growing political momentum for Reform UK, as evidenced by recent polling data suggesting strong potential gains in the upcoming local elections, particularly in London boroughs.
A YouGov MRP poll predicts that Reform could outperform Labour in several key areas, including Barking and Dagenham, Bromley, and Havering, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape and a growing appetite for the party's nationalist agenda. Nigel Farage has previously expressed confidence in his party's ability to win control of 'half a dozen' London boroughs
Reform UK Education National Curriculum British Identity King Charles
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Reform UK Pledges 'Patriotic' Curriculum and National Symbols in SchoolsReform UK proposes a major overhaul of the education system, including a 'patriotic' history curriculum, mandatory portraits of the King, and the flying of the Union Jack in all schools. The party aims to restore national pride and counter what it sees as an 'ideological capture' of classrooms.
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