The school has launched an investigation following furious parents' complaints
A school has issued an apology to furious parents following a teacher's comments about St George flags.
Broadoak School in Partington, Greater Manchester, has issued an 'unequivocal' apology to parents after a teacher confessed during a lesson that she had attended a counter protest at a hotel housing asylum seekers. She also told pupils that St George flags were seen by some as a 'racist symbol'.
The school has launched an investigation into comments made during a Friday morning lesson following complaints from parents, reports the Manchester Evening News.
These comments, captured on video and shared among parents, have sparked outrage. One parent said: "I am livid. Politics and teachers' opinions either side should be kept out of our children's education.
"I've now had to sit (my son) down and explain why I'm not racist. Bear in mind my children are mixed race!".
In the video, the staff member can be heard commenting on the increase in the number of St George flags displayed on lampposts in Partington and other parts of the country. She then tells pupils: "We are not saying that the England flag is an inherently racist symbol. However, unfortunately for some people it has been viewed to be that."
The teacher told pupils that she participated in a counter protest in Fallowfield to oppose those who were 'trying to make those people inside the hotel feel unwelcome'. She mentioned that some of the main protesters were 'using Nazi salutes and throwing very racist abuse towards the people inside'.
Demonstrations and counter-protests have occurred at hotels accommodating asylum seekers nationwide, including the Best Western Hotel in Fallowfield and the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham.
On Monday September 29, 2025, the school's headteacher John Knowles and academies director John Shakos dispatched a letter to parents regarding the incident. Within it, he said: "May I take this opportunity to share with you concerns that were raised by families within our community about a presentation that was delivered to pupils last Friday morning.
"The concerns are centred on the belief that the presentation, which covered themes of celebrating diversity, inclusivity, the democratic right to protest and political beliefs, was not balanced and impartial. This has understandably caused upset amongst members of the community, and concern for the school.
"We would like to unequivocally apologise for any upset that this has caused and provide assurance that the situation will be investigated and addressed accordingly."
The correspondence continued that the writers 'personally thank those parents who, with very short notice, came into school... to share their concerns', noting: "It is vital that parents and carers know that they are valued, appreciated and that their voice will be heard.
"Our intention firstly was to apologise to our community for which I hope this communication goes some way in doing that. We will be reviewing our approach to covering politically and socially sensitive issues and (will) be addressing the concerns raised by the presentation with our pupils in an open and balanced manner.
"May I thank you for your understanding on an occasion when are usually high standards have not been met."