Damian Lewis: Former pupils protest against Etonian actor's planned appearance at London comprehensive

Acland Burghley alumni say 'elitist' education Homeland star received is at odds with the Camden school's values

Damian Lewis (Reuters)

Former pupils at a Camden comprehensive are protesting against a decision to invite Damian Lewis to launch the school’s 50th anniversary celebrations because the actor went to “elitist” Eton College.

The Homeland actor has agreed to switch on the laser display at Acland Burghley school, in Tufnell Park, north-west London, when the school marks its landmark birthday on Wednesday night.

But the involvement of Lewis, a local resident, has caused outrage among former pupils who say that the exclusive education he enjoyed at Eton is at odds with comprehensive ethos and values which Acland Burghley represents.

The former pupils, who have launched an online petition calling for the invitation to be rescinded, have asked why Lewis was chosen ahead of the school’s well-known alumni, such as the chart-topping reggae singer Eddy Grant, Ms Dynamite and Lee Thompson, the Madness saxophone player.

Rachel Cohen, a City University sociology lecturer who is leading the campaign, wrote on the online petition: “Damian Lewis, was educated at Eton a school that, more than any other, represents the reproduction of privilege and inequality in the UK.

“We have nothing against him as an actor or local resident, but he is a wholly inappropriate choice for this celebration of a wonderful local comprehensive school.” The petition has attracted more than 80 signatures and prompted a hashtag #RealBurghley.

Ms Cohen told Camden New Journal: “Burghley has a brilliant performing arts heritage. When I was there half my class were acting in Grange Hill. At the moment there is a public debate about whether the acting profession is too elitist, with Eton educated people very much in the public eye. This is another reason we should be celebrating Acland Burghley's achievements even more.”

The Real Burghley Twitter feed urged Lewis to make "a statement about the importance of comprehensive education" when he appears at the school.

She had been told by the celebration’s organisers that it had not been able to secure any Burghley-educated figures from the arts world in time for the event. Other Burghley graduates include John Alford, the former Grange Hill actor and Akala, the rapper, who is Ms Dynamite’s brother.

Mr Lewis declined to comment directly on the petition but added he was looking forward to the event, according to the Camden paper.

Nicholas John, the school’s headteacher, said the anniversary party was just one of a number of celebrations scheduled, which would involve a wide variety of people.

Mr John said: “Damian Lewis very kindly agreed to open the light show for us, to give up an evening of his time. The school he went to is of no consequence. We are planning to hold a series of other events over the next two years and we will be inviting many other people to take part.”

He added: “I cannot expand on who was or was not invited, and we do have a large number of prestigious alumni. However, our school community extends to people living in our neighbourhood.

“We are excited and proud to have anyone who holds value in education to come and take part. We are a community school and this event is about touching base with people in the area. We are delighted someone who lives in our area is happy to give up their time and show their support for the school.”

“We are grateful when anyone from any background comes in, if they have something of educational value to offer.”

Acland Burghley’s exterior has featured in the television series Silent Witness and Balls of Steel. It has been reported that at least four former pupils had become affiliated with Isis, with one having died fighting for the terrorist group in Syria.