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Jewish school heads devoting more time to security than education, report author warns
Sir David Bell, conducting an independent review into antisemitism in schools, said he was “struck by how many leaders of Jewish faith schools” said security as an overwhelming priority
Headteachers at Jewish schools are dedicating more time to security measures than to teaching, according to a government-commissioned review into antisemitism in schools and colleges in England.
Sir David Bell, the independent reviewer, told the BBC that many Jewish faith school leaders had made security their primary concern, with “sometimes education takes second place to that.”
Sir David said he was “struck by how many leaders of Jewish faith schools” described security as an overwhelming priority.
He reported that Jewish schoolchildren face “regular and hostile abuse,” not only from peers but also from adults.
“That is not just abuse from other young people.
The students I spoke to in London were getting quite a bit of abuse from adults as well,” he explained. “So I think this is really worrying, and I think very concerning for this group of schoolchildren.”
The upcoming report, to be published in the autumn, is examining the experiences of Jewish pupils and staff in both faith and secular schools.
Speaking also to Radio 4 Today Sir David noted a “sad increase in the number of antisemitic incidents reported in schools and colleges.”
Discussing the situation in Jewish faith schools, Sir David described the “quite extraordinary” level of physical security required.
“I don’t think that’s really appreciated that we have this group of children and young people in this country who are subject not just to those security measures, but also to regular and hostile abuse,” he said.
The review has also revealed the “pernicious impact” of social media in spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories and offensive material.
“Very quickly, conspiracy theories spread via social media, antisemitic tropes, and other offensive material is there. We’ve got to try to, if we can, stop at the source, those kinds of materials being available to children and young people,” Sir David said.
Pupils were found to be “subject to regular harassment and abuse,” with Jewish children and young people facing “a pressure – and indeed one might say even a crisis – that is not the experience of other communities in this country.”
The review is expected to recommend dedicated training for all teachers and improved education about antisemitism for pupils.
The findings draw on evidence from pupils, teachers, governors, parents, and community groups across both state and independent sectors.
A bespoke survey by UCAS of 5,000 children found that about 20% had experienced or witnessed antisemitic behaviour in schools and colleges.
“When you think about antisemitism, you assume that it’s going to be directed towards adults… What’s been quite shocking is the extent to which antisemitism is encountered by children and young people,” Sir David concluded.
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