Chloë Deakin, a former English teacher at Dulwich College, has spoken out about Nigel Farage's behaviour as a pupil, alleging he was a bully with racist and neo-fascist views. In an exclusive interview, Deakin recounted how she wrote to the school's master in 1981 to oppose Farage's nomination as a prefect.
Deakin, then 31, said she first heard of Farage from younger pupils who described him as a bully. Colleagues corroborated accounts of harassment and his fascination with the far right, including claims of 'goose-stepping' on cadet force marches. Despite staff concerns, the headteacher and his deputy included Farage on the prefect list, viewing him as naughty rather than maliciously racist.
In her letter to headmaster David Emms, Deakin detailed incidents: a colleague described Farage's 'publicly professed racist and neo-fascist views' and an incident where he was so offensive a pupil had to be removed from class. Another colleague reported Farage marching through a Sussex village late at night shouting Hitler Youth songs. The school chaplain noted such views at that age were 'deep-seated and meant'.
Deakin wrote: 'It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these leaders are enlightened and compassionate.' She has never spoken publicly before about the letter, which was first revealed in 2013. The Guardian has since spoken to over 30 school contemporaries who allege racist or antisemitic abuse.
Farage, now leader of Reform UK, initially denied all allegations through his lawyer and threatened to sue. He later conceded some 'banter' might be viewed differently today but denied intent to hurt. He has not apologised despite calls from 26 former schoolmates. Deakin, now 74, said she felt strongly about opposing his prefect nomination and still does.
