Keir Starmer Caught Out Doing Banned TikTok Dance at UK School
PM’s Viral TikTok Fumble Sparks Giggles – and Schoolyard Scolding
Keir Starmer found himself in a right classroom kerfuffle after unknowingly copying a banned TikTok dance during a visit to a primary school. The Labour leader got stuck into the viral “six-seven” hand gesture with Year 5 pupils at Welland Academy in Peterborough, oblivious that the craze is banned in UK schools for disrupting lessons.
Alongside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, Starmer was promoting Labour’s free school meals plan when a pupil joked about turning to “page six-seven” in their book. The PM joined in the now-infamous hand move from rapper Skrilla’s 2023 hit – sparking giggles and pupils copying the gesture. Headteacher Jo Anderson gently warned,
“You know, children get in trouble for saying that in our school.”
Starmer, looking a bit sheepish, replied: “I didn’t start it, Miss.” The cheeky clip has since clocked up 1.5 million views online.
Why Schools Are Banning the ‘Six-Seven’ Craze
The “six-seven” trend exploded in classrooms across Britain in 2025 but has been banned in many schools due to chaos it causes. A recent Times Educational Supplement poll reveals that 70% of secondary schools forbid the phrase and hand gestures. Pupils often break into chants mid-lesson, especially during maths lessons involving sixes and sevens.
Welland Academy banned the trend back in September alongside thousands of other UK schools. Across the pond, US schools have also cracked down, concerned about drill music’s links to violence – even though the hand gesture itself is harmless.
Starmer’s TikTok Blunder Sparks Political Banter
Starmer himself shared the viral clip on social media with the cheeky caption: “I think I got myself put in detention…” Reactions split fast. Education Secretary Phillipson praised the PM’s ease with kids, but Tory leader Kemi Badenoch took a swipe, tweeting, “Starmer dances away from tough questions… while Reeves raids pockets.”
The hashtag #KeirSixSeven blew up with over 50,000 posts, many dubbing Starmer a “TikTok dad.” Parents on forums like Mumsnet praised his down-to-earth vibe, while critics slammed the timing amid ongoing school behaviour issues.
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers called it “harmless fun” but urged for better digital literacy teaching to curb distractions.
Labour’s Free School Meals Drive Still the Main Event
Behind the viral gaffe, Starmer’s visit to Welland Academy had serious business: pushing Labour’s “Best Start in Life” plan. From September 2026, free school meals will be offered to all children in Universal Credit households – helping 900,000 more kids and saving families around £500 a year per child.
The £1 billion scheme aims to lift 100,000 youngsters out of poverty. Education Secretary Phillipson said, “This is about giving every child the foundation they need to succeed.” Though the “six-seven” dance ended up stealing the spotlight.
The Generational Gap Laid Bare by Viral Blunder
Starmer’s TikTok tumble highlights the yawning gap between older politicians and Gen Alpha’s digital culture. Some pundits say it shows political disconnect; others welcome a softer side to the Labour leader.
No formal apology followed beyond Starmer’s own playful quip. His team has embraced the moment, keeping the clip pinned on his social feed.
As schools fight viral distractions, even the PM can’t dodge TikTok traps. The blunder might sting briefly but has catapulted Labour’s free school meal plans into the headlines – for all the right reasons.
