Students and teachers urged to share experiences with antisemitism in schools

Review led by Sir David Bell seeks evidence as incidents in schools double since 2023, with findings due this autumn

School children in a classroom.  Photo credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
School children in a classroom. Photo credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Students, parents and teachers are being urged to come forward and share any experiences with antisemitism in schools.

An independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges in England has launched a call for evidence, asking for views from pupils, parents, teachers and more.

The review, led by Sir David Bell, will examine the policies and support available to schools and colleges when they are tackling antisemitism.

Publishing the call for evidence, Sir David said: “Antisemitism has no place in our education system, and yet we know from the experiences shared by pupils, parents, teachers, and community organisations that it persists in forms both overt and subtle.

“To address it properly, we need a clear and comprehensive understanding of what is happening in our schools and colleges today.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson asked Sir David to lead the review in March.

Contributions are also welcome from local authorities, academy trusts, governing bodies, charities, and academics.

It comes after the Community Security Trust recorded 204 school-related antisemitic incidents in 2025 – double the levels seen before 2023.

Ms Phillipson said: “No Jewish student should feel unsafe at school or college, and staff must be supported to tackle antisemitism wherever it occurs.

“The rise in antisemitic incidents is abhorrent, and I urge anyone with first-hand experience to come forward and help shape our response – your story will not go unheard.”

The call for evidence is open for nine weeks until July 1. Findings are expected to be published in the autumn.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “All pupils deserve to feel safe in school and like they can belong and thrive. There is no place for any kind of prejudice, and it is very concerning that there has been a rise in antisemitic incidents.

“School leaders will welcome any support in tackling this issue and look forward to working with the review.”

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