Schools Should Recognize Antisemitism as Distinct Harm, Report Says
Source reports published 20 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 21 Oct 2026, 4:52 am AEST
A government-commissioned review recommends that schools in England recognize antisemitism as a distinct category of harm, implement dedicated teacher training, and establish a national hotline for advice on tackling antisemitism. The review highlights rising incidents of antisemitic behavior in schools.
What happened
- Following a review led by Sir David Bell, schools and colleges in England are expected to recognize antisemitism as a specific safeguarding risk, separate from general measures against racism and bullying.
- The review, prompted by incidents like the attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester in October 2025, recommends dedicated teacher training, more consistent reporting, and better education about antisemitism.
- The Community Security Trust reported a 59% spike in antisemitic incidents at schools in the first half of 2026, reaching a record high of 178 incidents compared to 112 in the first half of 2025.
- Several schools, including Yavneh College in Hertfordshire, have implemented enhanced security measures, including lock-in drills, due to concerns about antisemitic attacks.
- Pupils and staff at Yavneh College described a "normal" experience of heightened security, with security staff and cameras present.
- Some pupils expressed feeling targeted by antisemitic attacks and reluctance to display Jewish symbols.
- The government intends to encourage schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, and establish a national hotline for school leaders.
- Spencer Lewis, the executive headteacher of Yavneh College, stated that security is an "innate part" of his role.
- The Board of Deputies of British Jews believes adopting the IHRA definition will deepen understanding of contemporary antisemitism.
Original reporting
- BBC: Schools should recognise antisemitism as distinct form of harm, review says
2026-10-20T18:52:32.303000+00:00 - Guardian: Schools in England must recognise antisemitism as distinct category of harm, report says
2026-10-20T00:00:00+00:00