Jewish pupils and staff described feeling uncomfortable expressing their identity or opinions in some educational settings.
By Shula Rosen
An independent review commissioned by England’s Department for Education has found antisemitism at increasingly high levels in schools and colleges, with almost three in five Jewish young people surveyed reporting that they had experienced it.
The 107-page review, presented to Parliament in October 2026 and led by Sir David Bell, called for a system-wide response, including wider adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism, stronger safeguards and mandatory attention to antisemitism in teacher standards.
Among more than 5,000 UCAS applicants surveyed for the review, 20% said they had experienced or witnessed antisemitism.
That figure rose to 59% among Jewish respondents. Of those reporting exposure to antisemitism, 68% encountered it in social areas, 44% online or on social media and 38% in lessons or classrooms.
Jokes, stereotypes and comments about Jews accounted for the most commonly reported form of antisemitism, cited by 85% of respondents who had witnessed or experienced incidents.
Roughly half said incidents went unreported, while 27% of those who said an incident had been reported considered their school or college’s response ineffective.
The report identified a broader rise in antisemitism following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.
Annual incidents recorded nationally had remained below 2,000 before 2022 but reached 4,300 in 2023, 3,500 in 2024 and 3,700 in 2025.
Schools also face difficulties separating antisemitism from political debate surrounding Israel and the Palestinians, the review found.
Education professionals reported uncertainty over political impartiality requirements and how to handle discussions involving Israel, Palestine and antisemitism.
Jewish pupils and staff described feeling uncomfortable expressing their identity or opinions in some educational settings.
One respondent said, “At times, I feel as though we are living in a pre-Second World War environment, where Jewish people once again feel the need to conceal their identity.”
Concerns extended to educators. A Department for Education review was launched in February 2026 after the Teaching Regulation Agency declined to prohibit a teacher who had posted support for Hamas on social media.
Bell issued 27 recommendations, including specific antisemitism training for school and college leaders, teachers and safeguarding staff; clearer systems for reporting and recording incidents; stronger Holocaust education; and teaching on contemporary antisemitism, conspiracy theories and harmful online content.
The review also recommended explicitly adding antisemitism to the Teachers’ Standards and strengthening government guidance on political impartiality, particularly for sensitive geopolitical subjects. It stopped short of recommending blanket bans on political symbols in educational settings.
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