Ofsted has concluded there is no evidence of political bias at a Bristol secondary school that postponed a visit from a pro-Israel Labour MP, despite initial concerns about coordinated pressure from staff and external groups.
Visit Postponed Amid Safety Fears
The schools watchdog investigated Bristol Brunel Academy after Damien Egan, Labour MP for Bristol North East, had his scheduled September visit called off. School leaders cited safeguarding concerns about a threatened protest outside the school gates as the primary reason for postponement.
Mr Egan, who serves as Vice Chair of Labour Friends of Israel, had been invited to discuss democracy and the role of an MP with students. However, activists from the National Education Union (NEU) and Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign highlighted his political affiliations and celebrated the cancellation as a victory.
Ofsted's Investigation Findings
While Ofsted expressed concern that the visit may have been postponed due to co-ordinated pressure potentially violating Department for Education guidance on political impartiality, inspectors ultimately found no substantiating evidence within the school.
The specific decision to postpone Mr Egan's visit was not the main focus of the inspection, but the report noted school leaders consistently pointed to safety considerations rather than political motivations.
Political Reactions and Context
Communities Secretary Steve Reed recently revealed that a Jewish MP had been refused permission to visit a school in his own constituency, calling the situation an absolute outrage. Although he didn't name the MP, social media posts from Bristol NEU and Palestine campaigners specifically referenced Mr Egan's cancelled visit.
In September, Bristol NEU posted: This is a clear message: politicians who openly support Israel's genocidal assault on Gaza are not welcome in our schools.
Security Concerns and Rearrangement
Mr Egan has faced threats from anti-Israel activists since becoming an MP in 2024 and has been offered enhanced security due to his marriage to Israeli Yossi Felberbaum, who served in the military.
The school has since rearranged the MP's visit, and the academy trust, Cabot Learning Federation, will commission an independent review at the DfE's request. A school spokesman emphasized they acted on police advice and prioritized student safety when learning of planned protests.
Broader Implications for Schools
This case highlights the delicate balance schools must maintain between:
- Ensuring political impartiality in educational settings
- Managing external political pressures and campaigns
- Prioritizing safeguarding for students and staff
- Maintaining relationships with local representatives across the political spectrum
The Ofsted report serves as a significant finding that, despite external political campaigning and union involvement, the school's decision-making process focused appropriately on safety considerations rather than political bias.
