Lee Anderson has accused a Nottinghamshire secondary school of placing his photograph alongside those of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini on a classroom display during a politics lesson. In the House of Commons, the Reform UK MP said: “Year 9 students at Quarrydale Academy in Ashfield are currently studying politics.

“And on their display board they have the words ‘extreme Right-wing parties, Nazi Party and fascism’. And at the side of these words they have pictures of Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, the honourable member for Clacton and myself. Does the minister think this should be on the curriculum?” He later posted on social media: “This is an insult to millions of British people who voted for us. Only Reform UK will end this madness.”

Responding in the Commons, Baroness Barran, on behalf of the Government, said: “The Department for Education takes these allegations extremely seriously. We will look into this matter and ensure that any statutory guidance on political impartiality in schools is upheld.” Baroness Barran confirmed “officials will contact Mr Anderson directly.”

No verified public statement has been issued by Quarrydale Academy confirming or describing the board, and no independent evidence has emerged identifying who created it or verifying its display conditions.

Earlier in 2025, teaching materials used in academies run by Orion Education, which operates eight schools in London and Kent, reportedly placed Reform UK’s logo at the “fascism” end of a political-spectrum chart, just below the British National Party (BNP) and the Nazi Party.

One presentation shown to Year 10 pupils reportedly included a photograph of Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice under a section labelled “extremism/far-right ideology.”

Mr Tice denounced the materials, calling them “factually inaccurate and grossly offensive” and described them as defamatory. He wrote to Orion Education’s chief executive demanding a full explanation and apology, warning he might refer the matter to the regulator for academy trusts.

One headteacher at an Orion-managed school described the slides as “political brainwashing” and called for an Ofsted investigation.

Earlier in 2025, the National Education Union (NEU) formally labelled Reform UK a “racist and far-right” political party at its annual conference. Delegates voted to use the union’s political fund to campaign against Reform UK candidates, citing concern over the party’s policies and rhetoric.

NEU’s general secretary described Reform UK’s leadership style as aligned with “right-wing populism.” Reform UK representatives, including Mr Anderson, condemned the union’s stance and accused it of attempting to indoctrinate schoolchildren rather than educate them.

Headtecher Mr Tim Paling said the display was a visual aid and intended to prompt discussion about how political ideas are

classified in historical contexts.

He continued: “However, we recognise that the placement of certain contemporary political figures within this display could be considered inappropriate or easily misinterpreted. Therefore, a decision was made to remove the display.

The school is reviewing how political and historical content is presented in lessons to ensure that context is always clear and that no materials can be misconstrued or cause offence.

Quarrydale Academy would like to apologise for any concerns, offence or distress this situation may have caused. However, we want to be clear that we do not endorse any political viewpoint and remain committed to providing a balanced, impartial education in line with statutory guidance.

“We take seriously our responsibility to ensure that pupils understand political history without drawing inappropriate parallels to present-day individuals or parties.

“We are in contact with parents, governors, and relevant stakeholders, and will continue to ensure transparency as we complete our internal review.”