A school 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 and informed students that St George flags were perceived by some as a "racist symbol".

Broadoak School, in Partington, has announced it is conducting an investigation into remarks made during a Friday morning lesson following complaints from parents.

The teacher's comments were recorded on video, shared among parents, and then forwarded to the Manchester Evening News. One irate parent stated: "I am livid. Politics and teachers' opinions on 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 before telling students: "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 informed the students that she participated in a counter-protest in Fallowfield to oppose individuals there 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'.

Protests and counterdemonstrations have occurred at hotels nationwide that accommodate asylum seekers, including The Bell Hotel in Epping.

On Monday 29 September 2025, a letter was sent to parents by the school's headteacher John Knowles and academies director John Shakos regarding the incident.

They 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 letter continued to express gratitude to those parents who 'came into school... to share their concerns' at short notice, adding: "It is vital that parents and carers know that they are valued, appreciated and that their voice will be heard."

The letter further reads: "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."

The Manchester Evening News has reached out to Broadoak School, part of the Dean Trust group of schools, for a comment.