England Schools Must Treat Antisemitism as a Safeguarding Risk

Schools and colleges across England are expected to introduce stronger measures against antisemitism after an independent review found widespread prejudice affecting Jewish students and inadequate responses to reported incidents. Led by former Ofsted chief inspector Sir David Bell, the government-commissioned review recommends treating anti-Jewish hatred as a distinct safeguarding concern, with the government expected to accept all 27 recommendations when the report is presented to Parliament on Wednesday.

A survey conducted for the review found that three in five Jewish students had experienced antisemitism, while one in five students said they had witnessed it. Fewer than half of those surveyed believed an incident would be addressed if they reported it, according to findings published by The Guardian.

The Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security advice and support to Jewish communities, recorded 178 antisemitic incidents in schools during the first half of 2026, up from 112 during the same period in 2025. The 59% increase marked the highest number recorded for the first six months of any year, according to CST figures cited by the BBC and The Guardian.

Bell said existing approaches to racism and prejudice had failed to identify antisemitism adequately as a distinct form of hatred. Speaking to Sky News, he explained why the review calls for explicit recognition of the problem.

"A general commitment to tackling racism or prejudice or hate has not properly identified antisemitism as a particular kind of hate," said Sir David Bell, the review's lead.

He also stressed the importance of identifying the specific harm schools need to address.

"We do need to name antisemitism as a particular kind of prejudice and hate, because I think if you don't name it, you don't actually know what you're tackling or what you're going to be able to do to respond to it," Bell said.

The recommendations include dedicated teacher training, consistent recording of incidents, clear procedures for reporting and responding to complaints, and policies explicitly prohibiting antisemitic behavior by staff. The review also calls for better teaching about contemporary Jewish life and the Holocaust, alongside stronger guidance on political impartiality in schools.

Bell told the BBC that the proposals are intended to protect students throughout the education system, rather than focusing exclusively on Jewish schools.

"This is not just a report for Jewish children in Jewish schools. This is for all children and young people in all schools and colleges. We know that antisemitism crosses all boundaries," Bell said.

The review also recommends establishing a national hotline through which school leaders can obtain immediate advice on responding to antisemitism. The government is expected to encourage schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism, although it cannot require them to do so.

The definition has been adopted by 47 countries, including the United Kingdom, and most British universities. However, some examples included in the definition have attracted controversy.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the proposed safeguarding approach, arguing that it would establish clearer responsibilities for schools and strengthen accountability. The organization also called for improvements in education about Jewish life and continued compliance with political impartiality requirements.

In its statement, the organization said adopting the IHRA definition would help schools address contemporary antisemitism.

"Treating antisemitism in schools as a safeguarding issue will have the benefit of creating an explicit duty on all schools to address this as they would any other threat to children's safety, and will strengthen accountability," a spokesperson for the Board of Deputies of British Jews said.

The spokesperson added that the measures should accompany broader educational improvements.

"We have advocated these measures be accompanied by other steps including improving education about Jewish life and ensuring schools maintain their duties in relation to political impartiality," the spokesperson said.

Evidence gathered by Bell included testimony from students, teachers, school governors, parents and community organizations across state and independent schools. The review was launched in March following growing concern about antisemitism in Britain, including an attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester in October 2025 that killed two men.

Accounts from Jewish school communities also highlighted the daily impact of security concerns. At Yavneh College in Hertfordshire, executive headteacher Spencer Lewis described security as an integral part of managing the school.

"When you come in in the morning, there are high gates, high fences, lots of security cameras. We have four full-time security staff. And it sort of just becomes part of what you do," Lewis said.

He described the continuing attention required to maintain security.

"We think about it a lot," Lewis said.

Pupils at the school described becoming accustomed to security procedures, including lockdown drills designed to prepare them for intruders. Some also expressed concern about feeling different from their peers because of their religion.

"It's a bit scary sometimes, but you know you're safe," said Livi, a Year 6 pupil.

Her classmate Sadie described the emotional impact of prejudice.

"It's sad that we can't be equal to everyone else, but people don't like us just because of the way we are," Sadie said.

Older pupils told the BBC they felt protected inside school but worried about antisemitic incidents elsewhere, including harassment affecting students traveling to school or attending sports events. Some said they were reluctant to wear skullcaps or necklaces bearing the Star of David in public.

Year 9 pupil Ilan described the difference he perceived between Jewish students and those from other religious communities.

"Other religions get to be out and wear their necklaces and be proud - I don't get why Jewish people can't do it as much," Ilan said.

The Board of Deputies said the review's proposals could also improve understanding of contemporary Jewish experiences.

"To deepen understanding of contemporary antisemitism," the organization said, describing the intended value of adopting the IHRA working definition.

The government has declined to comment before the review's publication. Bell's findings are scheduled to be presented to MPs in Parliament on Wednesday.