The UK government has launched an independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges across England, following a significant rise in reported incidents, according to Reuters.
The review comes after the Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 204 antisemitic incidents linked to schools in 2025, a figure double the level recorded before 2023. The increase in incidents coincides with a global rise in antisemitism following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 (Reuters).
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said Jewish teachers have reported not feeling adequately supported when raising concerns about antisemitism. She stressed that schools must be better equipped to identify, report, and address antisemitic behaviour, and ensure the right preventative policies and training are in place (Reuters).
The review will examine:
How schools identify antisemitic behaviour.
How incidents are reported and addressed.
What policies, training, and support systems schools use to prevent antisemitism.
How external factors, such as protests or geopolitical tensions, influence behaviour in schools (Reuters; The Times).
The review was also prompted by a recent incident in which Labour MP Damien Egan was prevented from visiting a school due to threats from protesters, according to The Times. Phillipson emphasised that schools need to foster a culture that protects Jewish students and staff and handle incidents effectively.
As part of the review, the Board of Deputies of British Jews will be consulted, The Times reported. The review will also assess staff responses to antisemitism and police involvement in handling incidents, after concerns were raised that some incidents had not been adequately addressed. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott warned that the situation could send a worrying signal about Jewish participation in public life (The Times).
The review reflects a broader push by the government to tackle antisemitism in education, ensure Jewish students and staff feel safe, and strengthen policies to prevent and address discriminatory behaviour across schools and colleges in England.