A government-commissioned review has found that three in five Jewish students in England have experienced antisemitism while at school, highlighting concerns over the prevalence and under-reporting of such incidents. The independent review, led by Sir David Bell, former chief inspector of Ofsted, was published following a series of antisemitic episodes, including the cancellation of a Jewish MP’s school visit and a violent attack at Manchester’s Heaton Park synagogue.
The report draws on a survey showing that one in five pupils have witnessed antisemitism, and 60% of Jewish pupils have personally encountered it, though fewer than half believed their complaints would be effectively addressed. Bell highlighted the failure of many schools to recognize antisemitism as a distinct form of hate, stating that it needs to be explicitly identified in order to be properly tackled.
Among the review’s 27 recommendations are mandating teacher training on antisemitism awareness, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, and enhancing the teaching of the Holocaust to better address antisemitic attitudes. The review also advises including antisemitism in online safety and safeguarding policies, and ensuring that staff conduct policies explicitly prohibit antisemitic behavior.
The report calls for schools to implement clear reporting and response mechanisms and emphasizes the importance of political impartiality in the classroom, proposing that teachers should avoid displaying partisan symbols or expressing partisan political views, to foster environments where students can engage in sensitive discussions without feeling pressured.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell is expected to present the report’s findings in Parliament. The government is widely anticipated to accept the recommendations, with plans for additional resources, such as a national hotline to assist school leaders in responding to antisemitism.
Jewish students who contributed to the review described facing normalization of antisemitic behavior, such as the display of swastikas and Nazi paraphernalia, and reported difficulties in gaining support from peers and school staff. One participant noted the burden placed on young Jewish students to educate others about why antisemitism is harmful, underscoring calls for government action alongside roles for teachers and schools.
The Community Security Trust, a body that monitors antisemitic incidents, has recorded a rise in such episodes in schools, noting an increase from 112 incidents in the first half of 2025 to 178 in the same period of 2026. The review’s findings and recommendations aim to provide a framework to address and reduce antisemitism across all schools and colleges in England.