The government has launched an independent review into how schools and colleges in England identify, respond to and prevent antisemitism. The review will be led by Sir David Bell. Sir David was previously chief inspector of Ofsted between 2002 and 2006, and permanent secretary of the Department for Education between 2006 and 2011. He is also a former vice chancellor of the University of Reading.
Sir David will examine how well schools and colleges are supported to handle incidents of antisemitism, including through their own policies and relevant government guidance. He will look at what processes are in place when incidents are not handled well, what schools and colleges are doing to prevent antisemitism in the first place, and the role of external campaigning organisations in influencing institutional decision-making. The review will also consider how external factors, such as protests or wider geopolitical events, can contribute to antisemitism within educational settings.
A call for evidence and programme of engagement will be launched in Spring 2026, hearing from school and college leaders, community groups and religious representatives. Recommendations will be delivered by the autumn.
Recent data suggests a deteriorating picture in terms of antisemitic incidents in schools and colleges. The Community Security Trust recorded 204 school related antisemitic incidents in 2025 – double the levels typically seen before 2023. Meanwhile, in 2024 the Institute for Jewish Policy Research found more than one fifth of Jewish parents reported that their children have experienced antisemitism at school, on their way to school, or in the school’s vicinity. Last year a NASUWT survey found that 51 per cent of Jewish members had experienced antisemitism in the workplace during the previous year, with more than half of those feeling that when they raised concerns, appropriate action was not taken.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: ‘As Jewish families across Britain celebrated Purim this week, a festival that speaks to the power of courage over hatred, I am reminded of the cost of staying silent in the face of prejudice. The figures are stark and clear – school-related antisemitic incidents remain double pre-2023 levels, and too many Jewish teachers who raised concerns felt that nothing was done. That is not acceptable. This review will help to ensure schools and colleges have the confidence and support to tackle antisemitism.’
Meanwhile Sir David Bell said: ‘I am pleased to have been asked… to undertake this vital work. Antisemitism is a scourge and no child or young person or teacher should be subject to it, not least when attending school or college. I will come at this review with an open and independent mind. I will review both policy and practice to ensure that everyone can learn free from prejudice and hate. I am also keen to know more about those institutions who are tacking antisemitism effectively so that lessons can be shared widely across the education system.’
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, commented: ‘All pupils deserve to feel safe in school and like they can belong and thrive. There is no place for any kind of prejudice, and it is very concerning that there has been a rise in antisemitic incidents. School leaders will welcome any support in tackling this issue and look forward to working with the review.”
The review will cover all schools and colleges in England, including maintained schools, academies, special schools, independent schools, further education colleges and sixth form colleges. Further information about the review is available here: https://tinyurl.com/2mt7t8kp