Antisemitism in Schools and Colleges

Lucy Powell Excerpts

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Education (Lucy Powell)]

Today I am publishing the Government’s response to the independent review of antisemitism in schools and colleges in England, led by Sir David Bell.

Sir David’s review presents a stark and timely warning. It finds that antisemitism is a significant and growing problem in modern Britain, and that Jewish pupils, students and staff are increasingly experiencing its consequences. It concludes that antisemitism is a distinct form of racism that requires a clear and specific response, and that our schools and colleges have a critical role to play in challenging prejudice and preventing hatred from becoming normalised.

I am pleased to confirm that the Government have accepted all 27 of Sir David’s recommendations.

This represents a significant and long-term commitment to ensuring that every school and college is equipped to identify, challenge and prevent antisemitism. Jewish children, young people and staff should be able to learn and work in safety, free from prejudice, intimidation and discrimination. That must be a basic expectation in every education setting.

The Government’s response sets out our commitment to take forward measures to strengthen the education sector’s ability to tackle antisemitism. These include: encouraging schools and colleges to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism in schools and colleges; dedicated training for leaders and designated safeguarding leads; strengthened guidance, including on safeguarding, teachers’ standards and political impartiality; improved reporting and monitoring of antisemitic incidents; and enhanced support for schools and colleges dealing with complex cases.

The review and the Government’s response makes it clear that antisemitism is not an issue only for institutions serving Jewish communities; it is a challenge for the whole education system. Every school and college has a responsibility to recognise antisemitism, challenge it wherever it occurs and foster an inclusive environment.

Schools and colleges must be places where every child feels safe, respected and able to learn. Political expression must never become a vehicle for intimidation, discrimination or harassment, or prevent pupils from engaging with a balanced range of views. Schools must uphold their duties of political impartiality—they must not promote partisan political views, pupils must receive a balanced presentation of opposing viewpoints when political issues are raised, and staff members’ personal beliefs must never compromise a child’s education.

The Government’s response also makes it clear that criticism of the policies or actions of the Government of Israel is not, in itself, antisemitic. However, antisemitic tropes, conspiracy theories, collective blame of Jewish people, and hostility towards Jews must be recognised and challenged. Education professionals must be confident in understanding where legitimate political debate ends and antisemitism begins.

Implementation will now be our priority. Accepting the recommendations is only the beginning. Delivering lasting change requires sustained focus, accountability and partnership across the education sector.

I can therefore announce that the Government have established an implementation group, bringing together key stakeholders to drive delivery of the review’s recommendations, monitor progress and support effective implementation across schools and colleges.

To ensure that momentum is maintained, I have also asked Sir David Bell to undertake a one-year review of progress. This will provide an independent assessment of how effectively the recommendations are being implemented and identify where further action may be required.

Tackling antisemitism is a responsibility that must be taken seriously and acted upon by all. We will continue to assess progress, working closely with inspectorates and the wider sector, and we will keep under review whether further measures are necessary to ensure that the review’s recommendations are translated into meaningful and lasting change.

I am grateful to Sir David Bell for his thorough review and to all those who contributed evidence to it. The challenge he identifies is serious, but so too is the opportunity. By acting now, we can ensure that our schools and colleges remain places of learning, respect and safety for all, including our Jewish pupils, students and staff.

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