Unveiled on St. George’s Day, the proposals would require schools to display national symbols and shift lessons toward a more patriotic view of Britain.
Unveiled on St. George’s Day, the proposals would require schools to display national symbols and shift lessons toward a more patriotic view of Britain.
Reform UK has unveiled plans to introduce a “patriotic curriculum” in schools, using England’s national day, St. George’s Day, to launch a wider push on national identity and education.
Announcing the policy, MP Suella Braverman said the reforms would be implemented within the party’s first 100 days in government. They include requiring schools to fly the Union Flag and display a portrait of King Charles III in a prominent place.
The proposed curriculum would shift the focus of history teaching towards British events, with at least 60% of lessons dedicated to national history, including the Magna Carta, the English Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution. Exams would also be weighted toward what the party calls “patriotic national content.”
Reform argues that current teaching places too much emphasis on colonialism and social injustice, presenting Britain in an overly negative light. Braverman said the changes would ensure pupils understand “what a privilege it is to be British.”
The announcement comes amid broader debates in the UK over “woke” content in schools and how national history should be taught.
Labour prime minister Keir Starmer criticised the proposals, warning against what he called “plastic patriotism” and accusing opponents of misusing national symbols.
Education policy is partly devolved in the UK, meaning the reforms would initially apply only in England unless adopted by governments in Scotland or Wales.
