Officials at the DfE started drawing up new guidance for schools on how to uphold political impartiality last spring in the wake of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Ministers warned that an “atmosphere of intimidation or fear” was at risk of emerging in some schools, with certain students and teachers targeted by anti-Semitic bullying.

Under the Education Act of 1996, teachers have a legal duty to uphold impartiality in the classroom, but Thursday is the first time detailed guidance has been issued.

Nadhim Zahawi, the Education Secretary, said: “Clearer guidance on political impartiality is just one part of my wider work to give children the best possible education as the Government continues to prioritise skills, schools and families, to enable young people to reach the full height of their potential.”

Headteachers are told that while staff can help students understand the facts and the law about racism, they should be careful to avoid promoting “specific campaigning organisations such as some of those associated with the Black Lives Matter movement”.

This is because they may include “partisan political views” such as how government resources should be used to address social issues, including withdrawing funding from the police.

Schools advised to vet external speakers

“Schools should ensure this content is taught appropriately, taking steps to offer pupils a balanced account of opposing views on these points,” the guidance says. “Partisan political views must not be promoted to pupils, including by encouraging pupils to support campaign groups advocating such views.”

The guidance also explains that, when teaching younger children about “significant political figures” including those with “controversial” aspects, schools should focus on the facts and steer clear of more complex arguments about their legacies.

“Discussions about these matters might be reserved for older pupils who are more likely to be able to understand and engage in this debate and develop a balanced understanding of opposing views,” the guidance adds.

It is understood that figures such as Winston Churchill, Admiral Nelson and steam engine pioneer James Watt – all of whom have come under fire in recent times for their links to imperialism or slavery – could fall into this category.

Schools are also advised to carefully vet external speakers or organisations invited to address children. 

The guidance says that “under no circumstances” should an external organisation “attempt to engage pupils in political activity”. External speakers should not expose children to “extreme political positions” such as the desire to overthrow democracy and capitalism or endorsing criminal activities, it adds.

Schools have been told not to use their social media accounts to promote partisan views after a primary school in Nottingham tweeted about the letters that 10-year-old pupils wrote to Boris Johnson urging him to resign.