England Schools Must Treat Antisemitism as Distinct Harm, Review Says 2026

Schools and colleges in England must recognize antisemitism as a distinct category of harm and take explicit action against it, according to a new independent review led by Sir David Bell. The review, commissioned by the government and published on Wednesday, found that three out of five Jewish students said they had been affected by antisemitism.

Bell, the former chief inspector of Ofsted, told Sky News that many cases of antisemitism go unreported or unchallenged by both students and teachers. He emphasized that a general commitment to tackling racism or prejudice has not properly identified antisemitism as a particular kind of hate.

Why Antisemitism Needs Its Own Category

Bell argued that naming antisemitism as a specific form of prejudice is essential to effectively combat it. “We do need to name antisemitism as a particular kind of prejudice and hate, because I think if you don’t name it, you don’t actually know what you’re tackling or what you’re going to be able to do to respond to it,” he said.

The review’s conclusions would require schools and colleges to treat antisemitism as a distinct category of harm, rather than subsuming it under broader anti-racism efforts. This approach aims to ensure that incidents are properly identified, reported, and addressed.

Key Recommendations from the Review

The government is expected to accept all 27 recommendations from the review. These include:

• Provision of resources to tackle antisemitism in schools.
• Dedicated teacher training in antisemitism awareness.
• A national hotline where school leaders can quickly get advice on tackling antisemitism.
• Encouraging schools to adopt explicit policies against antisemitism.
• Improved reporting mechanisms for students and staff.

These measures are designed to equip educators with the tools they need to recognize and respond to antisemitism effectively.

What This Means for Schools and Colleges

Schools will need to review their existing policies and practices to ensure they align with the new recommendations. This may involve updating anti-bullying policies, providing staff training, and creating a safe environment for students to report incidents.

The introduction of a national hotline is particularly significant, as it offers immediate support for school leaders who may be unsure how to handle specific situations. This resource could help prevent escalation and ensure consistent responses across the country.

Comparison of Current vs. Proposed Approaches

This table illustrates the shift from a broad approach to a more targeted strategy that explicitly addresses antisemitism.

The Impact on Jewish Students

The review’s findings highlight the urgent need for action. With three out of five Jewish students affected by antisemitism, the current measures are clearly insufficient. By naming antisemitism as a distinct harm, schools can begin to address the specific challenges Jewish students face.

Bell’s review underscores that without proper identification, incidents may go unnoticed or be dismissed as isolated. The recommendations aim to create a school environment where Jewish students feel safe and supported.

What to Watch Next

The government’s acceptance of the recommendations is a crucial first step. However, implementation will be key. Schools will need guidance and resources to put these changes into practice. The national hotline and teacher training will require funding and coordination.

Advocacy groups and educators will be watching closely to see how quickly and effectively these measures are rolled out. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for how other forms of hate are addressed in schools. The background to this story is set out in Business: latest articles.