UK schools to treat antisemitism as distinct harm, review
A major review led by Sir David Bell recommends UK schools recognize antisemitism as a specific safeguarding risk, following a sharp rise in incidents.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Schools and colleges in England must categorize antisemitism as a distinct form of harm.
- Sir David Bell's review is set to be presented to Parliament on Wednesday with 27 expected recommendations.
- CST figures show antisemitic incidents in schools rose by 59% to 178 cases in the first half of 2026.
Schools and colleges across England will be mandated to recognize antisemitism as a distinct category of harm and enforce explicit actions against it, following the findings of a major government-commissioned review.
This means that anti-Jewish hatred will no longer be lumped together under general anti-racism and bullying policies, but will instead be treated as a specific safeguarding risk requiring targeted intervention and protocols.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The review into antisemitism in education, led by former Ofsted chief inspector Sir David Bell, is scheduled to be presented to Parliament on Wednesday, with the government expected to accept all 27 recommendations outlined in the document.
Key recommendations expected from the review include:
- Dedicated and specialized training programs for teachers
- More consistent recording and reporting mechanisms for incidents
- Enhanced education regarding antisemitism and modern Jewish life
- Stronger guidance ensuring political impartiality among teaching staff
- Establishment of a dedicated hotline for school leaders seeking immediate advice
"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."
Sir David Bell
The review was initiated amid mounting anxieties across the UK following high-profile security threats, including the October 2025 attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester that left two people dead. Figures from the Community Security Trust (CST) revealed that antisemitic incidents in schools hit record highs during the first half of 2026, surging by 59% compared to the same period in the previous year.
Redefining antisemitism as a distinct harm within the UK educational framework represents a strategic shift from broad anti-bullying approaches toward specialized institutional intervention. By establishing dedicated reporting lines and mandatory staff training, the policy aims to address the root causes of religious and ethnic prejudice directly amidst rising hostile incidents.
In addition, the government is expected to encourage educational institutions to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, providing schools with a recognized benchmark to better understand and combat contemporary prejudice.
Source: BBC Politics
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