Nigel Farage’s Old School Says Racism Allegations Are ‘Wholly Incompatible With Our Values’

Nigel Farage’s former school has issued a striking response to racism and antisemitism allegations dating back nearly five decades, saying the behaviour described is “wholly incompatible with the values the college holds”. The letter from the head of Dulwich College marks the first time the prestigious institution has publicly addressed claims about the Reform UK leader’s conduct as a pupil.

The controversy centres on allegations from former classmates who say that Farage, who now leads Reform UK, engaged in racist and antisemitic behaviour while a student at Dulwich College in south London in the late 1970s and early 1980s. (Wikipedia)

School Breaks Silence After Old Pupils Speak Out

In a letter seen by ITV News, current headteacher Robert Milne told a former pupil who raised the concerns that Dulwich College takes such allegations “extremely seriously”. He emphasised that the behaviours described are “entirely at odds with the Dulwich College of today” and that the school’s modern policies focus on equality, diversity, inclusion and robust anti-bullying measures.

Milne explained that the college had previously refrained from public commentary to protect its reputation, but said this should not be interpreted as indifference to the claims. He wrote that the school’s approach is guided by a “genuine commitment to our values and to the wellbeing of the whole community — past and present”.

What Former Pupils Have Alleged

The claims date back to Farage’s time at the elite private school in the 1970s and 80s. Some former classmates have publicly said they witnessed him making racist remarks, including comments that were offensive toward Jewish and Black pupils. (Wikipedia)

One former pupil, Jean-Pierre Lihou, wrote to the school to raise concerns about the alleged conduct of Farage and others during that period. The school’s letter to Lihou was widely shared after being seen by media outlets.

Farage Denies Allegations and Blames Politics

Farage has denied directly engaging in racist or antisemitic bullying, arguing that references to his behaviour have been blown out of proportion and influenced by political motivations. He said he was “surprised” by the headteacher’s comments, describing them as “uninformed” and part of what he called a politically-driven campaign to damage his reputation.

A spokesperson for Reform UK also condemned the resurfaced allegations as a “witch hunt”, accusing left-wing media and the Labour Party of trying to discredit Farage and his party.

A Divisive Political Issue

The exchange highlights the broader political sensitivity surrounding Farage, a polarising figure in British politics known for his prominent role in the Brexit campaign and more recently as leader of Reform UK. (Wikipedia)

Some critics and opponents have called on Farage to issue a direct apology if any of his past comments caused hurt — a call echoed by some former schoolmates who feel the matter remains unresolved. Others, including Farage himself, maintain that memories from so long ago are unreliable and politically charged. (The Guardian)

School’s Modern Policies Highlighted

Dulwich College’s statement also stressed that its current environment is very different from the era in question, with clear rules and training around dignity, equality and respect for pupils. The headteacher said the school is committed to ensuring such behaviour would not be tolerated today.

Public and Political Reactions

The story has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Some commentators have weighed in on Farage’s handling of the allegations and whether public figures should address historical claims more directly, while others see the row as reflective of deeper divisions in British politics and society over race, history and accountability. (The Guardian)

As the debate continues, both the college and Farage’s supporters maintain firm positions, with Dulwich College affirming its values and the Reform leader rejecting the accusations as misremembered or misrepresented.

Nigel Farage’s Old School Says Racism Allegations Are ‘Wholly Incompatible With Our Values’