A controversial group operating in East Sussex is providing rifle shooting and martial arts lessons to children from the age of four, while barring the schools inspectorate from its premises. Hope Sussex, which describes itself as an 'autonomous community', is at the centre of a growing debate over unregulated education and child safeguarding.
A Community Defying Inspection
Hope Sussex was founded in 2021 by Matthew Single and his wife, Sadie, both former members of the far-right British National Party. The establishment, based near Netherfield village, denies it is a school. Instead, it positions itself as a support hub for home-educating parents, with more than 40 families attending weekly according to recent filings.
Despite this, Ofsted believes it operates as an unregistered school. Inspectors attempted to visit in 2022 but were prevented from entering by Mr Single and another staff member. Current legislation means the watchdog lacks the legal power to force entry onto the grounds of suspected illegal schools, forcing it to close its investigation.
Curriculum of Conspiracy and Combat
Alongside basic maths, English, and science, the group's unusual curriculum for reception-aged children includes air rifle shooting, archery, crossbow practice, and martial arts. Images published by founder Matthew Single show young children clutching air rifles and aiming at targets.
Pupils have also been tasked with making necklaces from bullet casings and crafting their own nunchucks. Mrs Single, a former state primary teacher, has stated that her history lessons include 'some of the fallacies and lies that have taken place', referencing conspiracy theories widely discredited by historians.
Mr Single, 54, who has worn a T-shirt stating 'I identify as a conspiracy theorist', is an admirer of Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. He has written that the 'awake community' is 'at war' with the state and urged moving beyond protests to 'more specific action'. He later told The Times this was intended to 'apply political pressure on the government'.
Legal Grey Areas and Future Changes
The case highlights a significant gap in education regulation. While the group urges parents to withdraw children from state education, it reportedly tells the local council the children are being homeschooled, exploiting a legal loophole.
A potential solution may be on the horizon. A new bill, the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, is progressing through Parliament. It proposes granting Ofsted greater authority to investigate such settings. Mr Single claims all shooting lessons prioritise 'safety at all times'.
Ofsted declined to comment when approached. The future of Hope Sussex and similar groups may hinge on the new legislation, which aims to strengthen oversight and protect children in unregulated educational environments.
