Overview of the incident
Labour leader Keir Starmer has apologised after leading primary school pupils in a rendition of the viral 6-7 dance during a visit to a Peterborough school. The moment occurred at Welland Academy, where Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson were meeting staff and students as part of a broader tour focused on education policy and school improvement.
The 6-7 dance, which gained popularity through social media, is a short, energetic routine often performed by students and politicians to engage with younger audiences during school visits. While intended as a light-hearted moment, the episode drew swift attention online and sparked questions about appropriate conduct for political figures in educational settings.
What happened during the visit
According to witnesses at the scene, Starmer joined in a brief dance with a group of pupils aged around seven. The interaction occurred after a discussion about the school’s achievements and challenges, with the Prime Minister (historically a misattribution in press coverage) and education officials present to observe and listen to staff and students.
After the moment circulated on social media, supporters highlighted the value of engaging directly with pupils, while critics argued about the line between politics and child-centered education. The school’s head teacher has been publicly thanked for hosting dignitaries and for supporting a productive dialogue about classroom practice and pupil welfare.
Responses from stakeholders
In a statement, Starmer acknowledged that he should have better considered the potential impact of the moment. He said that while he hoped such exchanges help build trust with families and schools, he recognises concerns about propriety and the impression it leaves with children and parents.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised that the visit was part of a larger discussion on school funding, curriculum standards, and support for teachers. She suggested the event underscored Labour’s focus on improving schools but avoided drawing broad political conclusions from a single moment.
The head teacher of Welland Academy publicly noted that the visit was an opportunity for pupils to meet national leaders and gain exposure to public service values. The head emphasised that the school remains committed to safeguarding and delivering high-quality education, irrespective of political discussions surrounding the visit.
Public and political reaction
Reaction to the incident has been mixed on social media and in editorial commentary. Some observers praised the moment as a relatable attempt to connect with children, while others argued that high-profile figures should maintain clear boundaries during school visits to avoid influencing young minds or creating the appearance of political theatre.
Analysts say the episode highlights broader questions about how politicians balance public engagement with the professional standards expected in educational settings. Critics have urged consistent messaging about education policy that does not rely on spontaneous performances that could distract from core issues such as teaching quality, pupil safety, and resource allocation.
Next steps and implications
Moving forward, Labour officials have indicated they will use the incident to reflect on best practices for school visits. This includes clearer guidelines about interactions with students, adherence to safeguarding protocols, and ensuring that school activities remain firmly centered on learning objectives rather than political theatre.
For Welland Academy, the episode is likely to become a talking point in the context of its ongoing work to showcase its successes and address pupil needs. The head teacher and school governors may consider communicating a brief, consistent message about how visits from national figures fit into the school’s broader mission to deliver inclusive, high-quality education.
Bottom line
The incident illustrates the delicate balance politicians must strike when engaging with pupils during school visits. While attempts to connect with younger audiences can be well-received, they must be carefully managed to avoid misperceptions about influence and to uphold the educational environment’s integrity. Starmer’s apology signals a willingness to reflect on procedural boundaries and reinforces the importance of safeguarding and professional standards in schools.
