The government has launched an independent review into how schools and colleges in England handle antisemitism, appointing former senior education official Sir David Bell to lead the inquiry as figures show school-related antisemitic incidents have reached double their pre-2023 levels.
The Community Security Trust recorded 204 school-related antisemitic incidents in 2025 alone, while over a fifth of British Jewish parents report their children have experienced antisemitism at school, on their way to or from school, or in the immediate vicinity. A separate NASUWT survey found that 51 per cent of Jewish members had experienced antisemitism in the workplace in the past year, with more than half of those saying that when they raised concerns, appropriate action was not taken.
Sir David Bell, whose appointment was confirmed by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, will examine how effectively schools and colleges identify, respond to and prevent antisemitic incidents, including through their own internal policies and relevant government guidance. His remit will also cover what processes exist when incidents are not handled adequately, the role played by external campaigning organisations in influencing institutional decisions, and how outside factors — including protests outside school gates and wider geopolitical events — contribute to antisemitism within education settings.
A call for evidence and programme of engagement is due to be launched in Spring 2026, drawing on testimony from school and college leaders, community groups and religious representatives. Sir David Bell is expected to deliver his recommendations by Autumn 2026.
Phillipson said the figures were “stark and clear”, adding that too many Jewish teachers who raised concerns felt nothing was done. “That is not acceptable,” she said, describing the review as a means of ensuring schools and colleges have “the confidence and support to tackle antisemitism.”
Sir David Bell said he would approach the work “with an open and independent mind”, adding: “Antisemitism is a scourge and no child or young person or teacher should be subject to it, not least when attending school or college.”
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.
The government confirmed it had already invested £7 million across education settings to address antisemitism, including £2.3 million directed to Palace Yard and the Union of Jewish Students for resources and training for education professionals, alongside a £1 million innovation fund for practical solutions. The review forms part of a broader government commitment to strengthening social cohesion across Britain.
