A recent survey by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) has found that 23 percent of Jewish respondents report their children have faced antisemitism either at school,
nearby, or while traveling to and from school.
The survey, authored by JPR’s senior research fellow Dr. Carli Lessof, indicates that Jewish children attending mainstream schools are more likely to encounter antisemitism at school, while those in Jewish schools are more likely to experience it during their commute.
In light of the October 7 attacks on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the survey also reveals that one in five Jewish parents with children in mainstream schools are now more inclined to send their children to a Jewish school.
The JPR report, titled “Antisemitism in Schools: How Prevalent Is It, and How Might It Affect Parents’ Decisions About Where to Educate Their Children Post-October 7?”, is based on data collected in June and July 2024. It examines Jewish parents' perceptions of antisemitism their children have experienced and explores whether recent events might influence their decisions on where to educate their children.
Key findings include that 23 percent of British Jewish parents reported their children had experienced antisemitism at school (12 percent), near the school (six percent), or while traveling to or from school (nine percent).
Parents of children attending Jewish schools reported higher instances of antisemitism during travel (13 percent) compared to at school (three percent). Conversely, parents with children in mainstream schools reported higher rates of antisemitism at school (21 percent) versus during travel (two percent).
The survey also found that 73 percent of Jewish parents with children in mainstream schools said the events of October 7 and the war in Gaza would not influence their school choice, but 20 percent indicated they are now more likely to choose a Jewish school. This proportion doubles to 40 percent among parents whose children have directly experienced antisemitism.
Among Jewish school parents, 52 percent said their school choice would not be affected by recent events, while 46 percent expressed an even stronger preference for Jewish education.
Currently, 136 registered Jewish schools in the UK educate over 36,000 Jewish children, with nearly two-thirds of all Jewish children attending these schools—a significant increase from the 1950s when only about 5,000 Jewish children were enrolled in Jewish schools.
A 2018 joint JPR/Ipsos study identified key factors influencing British Jews' educational choices. Those opting for Jewish schools were primarily motivated by a desire for their children to develop a strong Jewish identity (80 percent), form friendships with similar values (60 percent), and attend a school with high academic standards (40-45 percent). In contrast, those choosing non-Jewish or mainstream schools cited a preference for a diverse environment (60 percent), convenience (35 percent), and academic excellence (30 percent).
Dr. Jonathan Boyd, JPR's executive director, commented on the findings, saying, “It is particularly concerning that a quarter of Jewish parents with children in mainstream schools report their children have experienced antisemitism. The fact that 40 percent of these parents would now be more likely to opt for a Jewish school underscores the impact of recent events on educational choices.”
Boyd also noted that while the numbers may not seem large, they could affect the balance between supply and demand for places in Jewish schools, making it crucial to monitor any changes in preferences. He also highlighted the need for mainstream schools and government leaders to address antisemitism to promote social cohesion.
The JPR report coincides with new figures on racism in schools, including a Runnymede Trust report that found thousands of children, some as young as four, were suspended from school for racist behavior last year. Campaigners warn that these figures may indicate that bigotry is becoming “normalized,” with some children repeating harmful rhetoric heard at home or from right-wing media sources.
In 2023, 11,619 children were suspended from school for racist behavior, a 25 percent increase from the previous year, averaging almost 60 suspensions per day. Photo by Quinn Dombrowski from Berkeley, USA, Wikimedia commons.