Education Secretary vows: Antisemitism in schools ends on my watch

The education secretary is launching a formal review of antisemitism in Britain’s schools and colleges and pledged that the prejudice will end “on my watch”, after rising concern about discrimination against Jewish pupils, teachers and public figures.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Bridget Phillipson said she had deep concerns about the ability of schools and colleges to recognise and tackle antisemitism and harassment, and that the Department for Education would examine its policies to ensure incidents are identified and dealt with effectively.

The pledge follows a string of high-profile controversies, including the cancellation of a planned September visit by Damien Egan, the Jewish Labour MP for Bristol North East, to a secondary school. The decision by Bristol Brunel Academy to call off the visit amid protests from pro-Palestine activists and members of the National Education Union triggered an urgent inspection by Ofsted and condemnation from senior ministers.

Ofsted’s surprise site visit last week examined whether the school was influenced into cancelling the MP’s visit, and whether that decision sent a discriminatory message to pupils. The Education Secretary has also ordered an independent inquiry into the trust that runs the school, Cabot Learning Federation, to assess governance and safeguarding arrangements.

Government figures, opposition politicians and communal groups have stressed that antisemitism in UK schools cannot be separated from broader tensions over the Middle East. Jewish teachers and union members have accused the National Education Union of tolerating anti-Jewish prejudice, further intensifying calls for systemic reform.

Phillipson’s review aims to strengthen the capacity of schools and colleges to recognise antisemitic behaviour, to ensure staff are trained to respond, and to clarify expectations around inclusion and political impartiality in educational settings. She stressed all students and staff must be able to learn and work free from fear of discrimination.