UK Jewish Schools Face Rising Antisemitism, Security Overshadows Education

A recent independent review commissioned by the UK government reveals that antisemitism in British schools has escalated to the point where Jewish school leaders must devote significant time and resources to student security, sometimes at the expense of education. The review, led by Sir David Bell, former Chief Inspector of Schools in England, found that physical security measures around Jewish schools are "exceptional" and that Jewish children and youth face persistent hostile abuse. Bell expressed concern that in some schools, "education takes second place" to security concerns.

The inquiry, initiated in March by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, collected testimonies from students, parents, teachers, and administrators to assess how educational institutions identify, prevent, and respond to antisemitic incidents. A survey of about 5,000 children found that one in five had witnessed or experienced antisemitism. Bell noted that antisemitic abuse often comes not only from peers but also from adults, describing the situation as "truly worrying."

Data from the Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism and provides security for the UK Jewish community, supports these findings. In the first half of 2026, CST recorded 178 antisemitic incidents related to schools, students, and staff, a 59% increase from 112 incidents in the same period in 2025. This surge follows a spike in antisemitic incidents after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and has not returned to pre-conflict levels. The ongoing Middle East conflicts, including tensions with Iran, continue to fuel these outbreaks.

The CST also reported a sharp rise in physical assaults against Jews, with 135 attacks documented in the first half of 2026, marking an 82% increase compared to the previous year. Overall, 1,926 antisemitic incidents were recorded nationwide during this period, the second-highest half-year total ever.

The government review aims to recommend practical measures to prevent antisemitism in schools and improve responses to incidents, with a final report expected in autumn. Meanwhile, the preliminary findings highlight a troubling reality where ensuring students' safety has become a primary concern in some Jewish schools, overshadowing their educational mission.