Prime Minister Keir Starmer landed himself in a right schoolyard pickle after unknowingly leading pupils in a banned TikTok dance. The Labour leader, visiting Welland Academy in Peterborough, enthusiastically mimicked the viral “six-seven” hand gesture with Year 5 pupils—completely unaware the trend is banned in UK schools for causing classroom chaos.
Awkward TikTok Moment Goes Viral
While touring Welland Academy with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to promote Labour’s free school meals expansion, Starmer got caught up in a playful moment. When a young pupil suggested turning to “page six-seven” in their book, Starmer joined in with the viral hand gesture from Chicago drill rapper Skrilla’s 2023 hit. Kids burst into giggles and copied the move while Phillipson laughed along.
“You know, children get in trouble for saying that in our school,” said headteacher Jo Anderson, delivering a gentle rebuke as the PM prepared to leave.
Starmer looked sheepish, replying, “I didn’t start it, Miss.” The clip has since racked up 1.5 million views.
Why Schools Have Banned the ‘Six-Seven’ Trend
The “six-seven” craze has swept UK classrooms in 2025, but schools are banning it due to its disruptive nature. A Times Educational Supplement survey found 70% of secondary schools have outlawed the phrase and gesture. Pupils often erupt into chants mid-lesson, especially in maths when sixes and sevens are mentioned.
Welland Academy banned the trend back in September, joining thousands across Britain. US schools have also cracked down, some citing worries over “imitating violence” linked to drill music culture, despite the harmless nature of the gesture.
Political Jibes and Mixed Public Reactions
Starmer posted the viral clip on social media with the cheeky caption: “I think I got myself put in detention…” The incident split opinion. Education Secretary Phillipson praised the PM’s rapport with children, but Tory leader Kemi Badenoch mocked him for avoiding tough questions, tweeting: “Starmer dances away from tough questions… while Reeves raids pockets.”
The hashtag #KeirSixSeven exploded with 50,000 posts, many branding Starmer a “TikTok dad.” Parents on Mumsnet praised his relatability, while critics slammed the timing amid school behaviour struggles.
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers called it “harmless fun” but stressed the need for better digital literacy in schools.
Labour’s Free School Meals Plan at the Heart of the Visit
Behind the viral goof, Starmer’s mission was serious: to spotlight Labour’s “Best Start in Life” agenda. From September 2026, free school meals will be extended to all children in Universal Credit households, helping around 900,000 more pupils and saving families £500 a year per child. The £1 billion programme aims to lift 100,000 youngsters out of poverty.
“This is about giving every child the foundation they need to succeed,” Phillipson stressed—just before the “six-seven” dance stole the show.
Generational Gap Shows in Viral Gaffe
Starmer’s TikTok tumble highlights the gulf between politicians and today’s digital-native Generation Alpha. While some experts see it as a sign of political disconnect, others welcome the lighter, human side of the PM engaging with kids.
No formal apology has followed beyond Starmer’s joke on camera. His team seems to have embraced the viral moment, keeping the clip pinned on his profile.
As schools battle viral distractions, even the nation’s leader can’t dodge the pitfalls of TikTok culture. The blunder might be a brief embarrassment, but it’s certainly put Labour’s free school meal plans firmly in the spotlight.
