Abstract: Antisemitism is an increasingly significant issue for schools and colleges, mirroring wider trends across society. The evidence gathered by this review points to high levels of antisemitic incidents occurring in classrooms, online and beyond. Key barriers to effective prevention and response include uncertainty about what constitutes antisemitism, lack of confidence in reporting systems, inconsistent recording practices, and limited staff training. While schools and colleges are committed to creating inclusive environments, the review finds that stronger and more consistent support is needed across the system.
Meaningful progress in tackling antisemitism in schools and colleges requires a coordinated whole-system response, and this is underpinned in the review by 27 recommendations.
Central is the call for:
• wider adoption by schools and colleges of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as a starting point for understanding and discussions;
• strengthening Keeping children safe in education by making clear that antisemitism may constitute harm and raise safeguarding concerns;
• a coherent, sequenced whole-school or college approach that embeds prevention of antisemitism through curriculum, learner experience, and leadership;
• amending the Teachers’ Standards to explicitly reference antisemitism, ensuring all teaching professionals understand their responsibilities to confront and act on this kind of hatred and prejudice.
• practical support to help leaders navigate increasingly complex and sensitive issues, including establishing a dedicated support service for schools, colleges and local authorities dealing with incidents relating to antisemitism, as well as providing continued support for the unique security challenges faced by Jewish schools.
Together, the review’s recommendations are intended to create a more confident,
consistent and effective system, ensuring that Jewish pupils, students and staff can
participate fully in education and feel safe, respected and able to thrive.
