Matt Single, a former British National Party (BNP) activist, has been at the center of controversy for his unconventional and dangerous approach to education.
At Hope Sussex, a self-described “home of positive energy” in Netherfield, East Sussex, Single has been training children in combat-style activities, including firing explosive arrowheads and using gas-powered air pistols.
His actions, which he frames as a fight against the British state, have drawn significant scrutiny from the media, education watchdogs, and the wider public.
The Alarming Activities at Hope Sussex
Hope Sussex was founded by Matt Single and his wife, Sadie Single, in 2021 as an alternative to what they perceive as a “malevolent” state education system. While it presents itself as a community center for home-educating families, videos and reports indicate that the facility functions more like a paramilitary training ground for children.
One of the most disturbing revelations involves Single firing explosive arrowheads at targets in front of children. This exercise, reportedly part of his “lessons,” is a clear example of the extreme methods he employs.
Additionally, children were encouraged to fire gas-powered BB gun pellets at a television screen labeled “BBC,” which was presented as a way to “deal with state propaganda.” Such activities appear to be designed not only to teach combat skills but also to instill a sense of hostility toward mainstream institutions.
Beyond these exercises, Single has conducted lessons that involve acid, pepper spray, and even a homemade flamethrower. In a particularly shocking session, he blindfolded children and instructed them to navigate a barn filled with mousetraps, referring to them as “victims.”
He warned that stepping on the traps “might not be nice,” though he later defended the exercise as a “science-based investigation.” The normalization of danger in these lessons raises serious concerns about the psychological and physical well-being of the children involved.
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Despite the nature of these activities, Hope Sussex maintains that it is not a school. Instead, it claims to be a community space where independent tutors offer classes.
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The absence of a formal curriculum and the assertion that it does not operate five days a week are used to argue against its classification as an illegal school. However, Ofsted, the education watchdog, has previously taken action to probe the site and still suspects that it functions as an unregulated educational institution.
Ideological Underpinnings of Single’s Teachings
Matt Single’s activities at Hope Sussex are not limited to physical training; they are deeply intertwined with a radical ideology. Single has made numerous statements that reveal his contempt for the British government and mainstream institutions.
In a previous statement, he urged his followers to “step outside of the comfort zone of simply protesting and demonstrating with placards and megaphones,” warning that “they are coming for our children.” His rhetoric suggests a belief in an ongoing war between the state and his self-styled “army” of followers.
One of the most concerning aspects of Single’s teachings is his approach to history. In one of his lessons, children were taught that the U.S. government knew about the 9/11 terror attacks in advance, a claim widely regarded as a conspiracy theory.
This indicates that his curriculum is not only focused on physical training but also aims to indoctrinate children with alternative, often extremist, narratives.
Single’s admiration for authoritarian regimes further highlights the ideological leanings of his teachings. He has expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian state, stating that he looks forward to Russia and China “kicking our arses.”
Additionally, he praised the security pact between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “brilliant for us and those that love freedom.” Such statements suggest that he sees alignment with autocratic states as a preferable alternative to the democratic institutions of Britain.
The association of Hope Sussex with far-right figures further reinforces concerns about the center’s ideological orientation. Controversial political commentator Katie Hopkins has used the venue for her comedy tour, and former footballer Matt Le Tissier, who has drawn criticism for conspiracy-laden remarks, is set to give a talk there. These associations indicate that Hope Sussex is not merely a neutral educational space but a hub for radical and often extremist discourse.
The Potential Consequences and Legal Implications
The activities at Hope Sussex raise serious legal, ethical, and social concerns. While the facility claims to be a community center rather than a school, the presence of full-time education, combat training, and ideological indoctrination suggests otherwise.
Ofsted has previously investigated the site and continues to suspect that it operates as an illegal school. If formally classified as such, it could face legal action and potential closure.
The training of children in combat tactics, particularly with explosive weapons, is a major security concern. If left unregulated, such activities could lead to the radicalization of young individuals, increasing the risk of future violence.
The emphasis on “fighting back” against the British state fosters an us-versus-them mentality that may push children toward more extreme actions in the future.
Moreover, the psychological impact of these teachings on children cannot be overlooked. Exposure to dangerous activities, militant rhetoric, and conspiracy theories at a young age can have long-lasting effects on their worldview and behavior.
The lack of oversight or proper safeguarding measures exacerbates these risks, leaving children vulnerable to both physical harm and ideological manipulation.
There are also broader societal implications. The rise of alternative education spaces that function as ideological echo chambers challenges the integrity of the education system. While home-schooling is a legitimate choice for many families, it must be conducted responsibly, with oversight to prevent the spread of dangerous ideologies.
The case of Hope Sussex highlights the potential dangers of unregulated education spaces that operate under the guise of community learning while promoting radical views.
In response to these revelations, it is imperative that regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and child protection agencies take swift action. Ofsted must continue its investigation into Hope Sussex, ensuring that the center is either brought under regulatory compliance or shut down if it is found to be operating illegally.
Parents who send their children to such facilities should be made aware of the potential dangers, and the broader public must remain vigilant against the rise of extremist educational spaces.
The story of Hope Sussex and Matt Single serves as a stark warning about the risks of unregulated education and ideological radicalization. While the right to alternative education should be protected, it must not come at the cost of children’s safety or societal stability.
Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from authorities, educators, and the community to ensure that children receive a balanced, safe, and factual education free from extremist influences.
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