One of Britain's most prominent politicians has thrust a High Wycombe school into the national spotlight after claiming the proportion of white British pupils has halved in a decade.
Rupert Lowe, leader of Restore Britain and MP for Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, made the claim about Wycombe High School in a post on the social media site, X.
Sharing the claim on October 23, Mr Lowe wrote: "Wycombe High School. White British pupils have gone from 60% to 30% in just 10 years. Are we able to have a mature debate about how immigration has already entirely demographically transformed our country?"
The comments drew significant attention online, having been viewed over 221,000 times, and has been liked on 21,000 occasions at the time of writing.
The 68-year-old has become one of the country's most outspoken political voices on immigration, particularly illegal migration across the English Channel.
He has frequently called for stronger border enforcement and stricter controls on unlawful entry into the UK, while arguing that immigration policy has had a significant impact on demographic change.
While current demographic data suggests white British pupils make up roughly one-third of the school's intake, the Free Press has been unable to independently verify Mr Lowe's specific claim that the figure stood at 60 per cent a decade ago.
Recent school demographic data, based on Department for Education school census information and published by education data websites Crystal Roof and Find Great Schools, places the proportion of white British pupils at between 33.4 per cent and 34 per cent.
Wycombe High School, which sits at the top of Marlow Hill in the town, has responded to the politician's post.
The school exclusively told the Free Press: "Wycombe High School is immensely proud of its students and the inclusive, supportive environment in which they learn and flourish. Our focus remains firmly on providing an outstanding education and ensuring that every student, whatever their background, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We do not comment on political statements or speculation about our school."
The school also highlighted its academic achievements and reputation, noting that it is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and was named UK Secondary School of the Year 2023 and Southeast Secondary School of the Year in The Sunday Times Parent Power awards.
A spokesperson added: “Above all, Wycombe High is a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive school community. United by its values of infectious joy, limitless ambition, insatiable curiosity and generous spirit, where every student, regardless of background, is encouraged, supported and inspired to fulfil her potential. It is the achievements, aspirations and character of our students that define Wycombe High School, and of which we are immensely proud.”
The Free Press has approached Rupert Lowe's team seeking further information about the figures cited in the social media post and whether they were drawn from historical school census data.
Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for High Wycombe and Lesley Clarke OBE, Conservative councillor for Abbey Ward, where the school is located, have both been approached for comment.
