A vicar in Hampshire has issued an apology after upsetting sixth graders and angering their parents by claiming Santa Claus isn’t real during a religious education class.
Reverend Dr. Paul Chamberlain made the controversial remark during a lesson at Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School while discussing the Nativity story. According to reports, he told the 10- and 11-year-old students, “Santa isn’t real,” and added that it was their parents who ate the cookies left out for Father Christmas. The revelation reportedly left many children in tears.
Parents were outraged, with one mother describing the incident as “disgusting” and saying the school could not “bring the magic back.” Many parents reportedly had to explain the truth to their children following the vicar’s comments.
In response, the school distributed “believe” badges to restore the festive spirit. A formal complaint has been filed, and the Diocese of Portsmouth confirmed the vicar admitted his comments were a mistake.
Rev. Chamberlain has apologised unreservedly to the school, parents, and students. The headteacher also sent letters to parents to address the issue and share the vicar’s apology.
