The British government has ordered an independent review into antisemitism across England’s schools and colleges, following a sharp rise in classroom-related
incidents involving Jewish pupils and teachers.
Announced on 4 March, the review will be led by Sir David Bell, a former senior civil servant with extensive experience across the education system. His findings and recommendations are expected in Autumn 2026.
It comes alongside £7 million already invested by the government to tackle antisemitism across education, including funding for training and resources delivered by Palace Yard and the Union of Jewish Students, as well as a £1 million innovation fund aimed at practical, on-the-ground solutions.
The review was announced after a roundtable at 10 Downing Street chaired by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. Ministers said the move was prompted by evidence showing school-based antisemitic incidents have doubled compared with levels seen before the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, which ignited the war in Gaza.
Antisemitic attacks have increased worldwide since the outbreak of the conflict. In Britain, reported incidents rose by 4% in 2025, making it the second-highest annual total on record. Authorities also pointed to a pronounced spike following a deadly synagogue attack in northern England last October.
Figures from the Community Security Trust, which provides security advice to Jewish communities, show that 204 antisemitic incidents were recorded in schools and colleges in 2025 — roughly twice the number logged before 2023.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: “As Jewish families across Britain celebrated Purim this week, a festival that speaks to the power of courage over hatred, I am reminded of the cost of staying silent in the face of prejudice.
The figures are stark and clear – school-related antisemitic incidents remain double pre-2023 levels, and too many Jewish teachers who raised concerns felt that nothing was done. That is not acceptable.
This review will help to ensure schools and colleges have the confidence and support to tackle antisemitism”.
According to the government, the independent review will assess how effectively educational institutions identify, prevent and respond to antisemitic behaviour. It will also examine whether schools and colleges have the right policies in place, how incidents are handled when they occur, and what additional support may be needed.
The scope of the review will extend beyond the classroom, looking at the impact of external pressures such as protests near school grounds and broader geopolitical tensions that may be influencing behaviour among pupils and staff.
Independent reviewer, Sir David Bell said:
“I am pleased to have been asked by the Secretary of State for Education to undertake this vital work. Antisemitism is a scourge and no child or young person or teacher should be subject to it, not least when attending school or college.
I will come at this review with an open and independent mind. I will review both policy and practice to ensure that everyone can learn free from prejudice and hate. I am also keen to know more about those institutions who are tacking antisemitism effectively so that lessons can be shared widely across the education system”.
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.
Ministers said the findings would be used to strengthen guidance and support for schools, with the aim of ensuring that Jewish students and teachers feel safe and protected within the education system. Photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.