Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “As Jewish families across Britain celebrated Purim this week, a festival that speaks to the power of courage over hatred, I am reminded of the cost of staying silent in the face of prejudice.
“The figures are stark and clear – school-related antisemitic incidents remain double pre-2023 levels, and too many Jewish teachers who raised concerns felt that nothing was done. That is not acceptable.
“This review will help to ensure schools and colleges have the confidence and support to tackle antisemitism.”
It comes in addition to the £7 million already announced across education settings to combat antisemitism and proposed revisions to the national curriculum, which will include a focus on combating anti-Jewish hatred.
The Department for Education said the review will identify ways schools and colleges can “be better supported” and “forms part of the government's broader mission to strengthen social cohesion across Britain, building communities where people of all backgrounds and faiths can live, work and learn together without fear.”
A call for evidence and a programme of engagement will launch this spring, with the review seeking to hear from school and college leaders, community groups and religious representatives.
Bridget Phillipson at Yavneh College (photo: Department for Education)[Missing Credit]
The Community Security Trust recorded 204 school-related antisemitic incidents in 2025 – double the levels typically seen before 2023.
Over a fifth of British Jewish parents also report their children have experienced antisemitism at school, on their way to school, or in the school’s vicinity, demonstrating a clear need to act now.
A survey from NASUWT (the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers) found that 51 per cent of Jewish members experienced antisemitism in the workplace in the past year, and more than half of those who raised concerns felt that appropriate action was not taken.
The JC has reported on the issue of antisemitism in schools across the UK and allegations of an extreme anti-Israel bias at teaching unions.
Sir David will examine what processes are in place when incidents are not handled well, what schools and colleges are currently doing to prevent antisemitism, and the role of external campaigning organisations in influencing institutional decision-making.
The review will also consider how external factors, from protests outside school gates to wider geopolitical events, can contribute to antisemitism within educational settings. Levels of antisemitism across the UK in the hours after the Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel and have remained at higher levels than before 2023.
Sir David said he was pleased to have been asked undertake the “vital” investigation.
“I will come at this review with an open and independent mind. I will review both policy and practice to ensure that everyone can learn free from prejudice and hate. I am also keen to know more about those institutions who are tackling antisemitism effectively so that lessons can be shared widely across the education system.
“Antisemitism is a scourge and no child or young person or teacher should be subject to it, not least when attending school or college.”
Jewish groups have welcomed the investigation.
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust said: “Jewish children and teachers must be able to learn and work free from hatred and intimidation, and it is right that there is a clear, independent examination of how antisemitism is identified, addressed and prevented across the education system.
“We hope this review will lead to practical support for schools and ensure antisemitism is consistently and robustly challenged wherever it occurs,” the CST added.
Russell Langer, director of public affairs at the Jewish Leadership Council, said: “The increase in antisemitism in schools is one of the most concerning aspects of the spread of this hatred we are witnessing in Britain. CST's latest antisemitic incidents report highlights that children are disproportionately involved as both the victims and offenders of antisemitic hate crime. We welcome the government's review in the hope it will lead to meaningful action to tackle this scourge in our education system."
