A government-commissioned review has found that three in five Jewish students in England have experienced antisemitism during their elementary, middle, or high school years, raising concerns about the safety of Jewish children and the response of school authorities to anti-Jewish hatred.

The findings point to a troubling gap in how schools handle antisemitic incidents, with many students expressing little confidence that teachers or administrators would take meaningful action if abuse were reported. Fewer than half of students who witnessed antisemitism, including both Jewish and non-Jewish pupils, believed school staff would respond appropriately.

The review was initiated following the cancellation of a school visit by Jewish MP Damien Egan amid concerns that pro-Palestinian activists might stage protests. The incident prompted broader scrutiny of how schools address antisemitism and whether Jewish students are receiving adequate protection.

One student from Cheshire described enduring repeated antisemitic harassment while attending a school where he was the only Jewish pupil. He encountered references to Nazi gas chambers, abuse suggesting he belonged in one, and swastikas and Nazi salutes that became commonplace among students.

His account also raised questions about the role of educators, who he said often failed to step in. As a result, he felt forced to explain to classmates why their behavior was antisemitic rather than seeing school staff take responsibility for addressing it.

Sir David Bell, who headed the independent review, identified a broader problem in the way schools approach prejudice. Efforts to combat discrimination, he found, can overlook the specific nature of antisemitism, making it harder for educators to recognize and respond effectively to anti-Jewish hostility.

Recommendations are expected to address both school culture and staff conduct, including guidance discouraging teachers from displaying explicitly pro-Palestinian symbols while teaching when doing so could undermine their perceived impartiality.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis: “Antisemitism is the ultimate othering, often driven by ignorance which is the enemy of the cohesive and empathetic society we wish to build for all citizens.

With this in mind, the Bell Review reveals a deeply troubling level of antisemitism in our schools and colleges and is a painful indication of how far the situation has deteriorated.

I commend Sir David Bell for his important work and hope that recognising antisemitism as a potential safeguarding concern will prove to be a significant step towards protecting Jewish pupils.

I also welcome the Government’s decision to adopt all 27 of its recommendations and look forward to seeing them implemented in full.”

Besuros Tovos.

“If education isn’t the answer, what is?”

Antisemitism has no place in our schools and colleges.

Sir David Bell’s report sets out what needs to change, informed by the experiences of Jewish communities and those working in education.

Read more here ➡️ https://t.co/yJ2MZMriIl https://t.co/GAKDngSpcH

— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) October 21, 2026

A major new report has exposed the scale of antisemitism in England’s schools and colleges—and the findings are deeply concerning.

According to the independent review led by Sir David Bell, one in five students surveyed said they had witnessed antisemitism, while nearly three in five Jewish pupils aged 16-19 had experienced or witnessed it.

Even more troubling, fewer than half of students surveyed believed antisemitism would actually be addressed if they reported it.

The review makes 27 recommendations, including dedicated antisemitism training for educators, stronger safeguarding and reporting procedures, and better resources to help schools recognize and confront anti-Jewish hatred. The UK government has accepted all 27.

No Jewish student should have to endure antisemitism at school, or believe that speaking up will make no difference.

Schools must be places where Jewish students are protected, antisemitism is recognized for what it is, and reports of hatred are taken seriously.

— Maccabee Task Force (@MacTaskForce) October 22, 2026