The government has accepted every recommendation from an independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges, according to the Department for Education. The review, chaired by Sir David Bell, was published today and concludes that antisemitism is a significant and growing problem across the education sector, with Jewish pupils, students and staff facing abuse, harassment and discrimination.
Key points
- Scale of the problem — three in five Jewish pupils aged 16-19 have experienced or witnessed antisemitism.
- All 27 recommendations accepted — the government has backed the review in full.
- New training and guidance — dedicated training for education leaders, plus strengthened safeguarding and political impartiality guidance.
- One-year progress check — Sir David Bell will review how the recommendations are being delivered.
The report says antisemitism has ancient roots but has taken contemporary forms, including when linked to the Middle East, which has made it "unacceptably casual". It calls for clearer guidance and a more consistent approach so that Jewish pupils and staff can feel safe.
The Education Secretary described the review as a "generational moment" and said implementation is now the priority. The government's response includes a package of measures: training for education leaders, stronger safeguarding and political impartiality guidance, better reporting of incidents and extra support for schools and colleges dealing with complex cases. Schools will also be encouraged to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
An implementation group bringing together key stakeholders has been set up to drive delivery, and Sir David has been asked to carry out a one-year review of progress. He said the urgency of tackling antisemitism meant his recommendations must be "acted upon and acted upon quickly".
What it means in practice
For parents, pupils and school staff, the change will mostly be felt through new training, clearer guidance and better reporting routes rather than a single new law. Schools and colleges should expect more direction on how to handle discussions about Israel and the Middle East, and on when antisemitic behaviour should be treated as a safeguarding concern.
- School leaders — look out for dedicated antisemitism training and updated safeguarding and impartiality guidance.
- Parents and pupils — reporting of antisemitic incidents is set to improve, so concerns should be easier to raise and track.
- Governors and staff — schools will be encouraged to adopt the IHRA working definition, so check what your institution currently uses.
