The Government has accepted all 27 recommendations from an independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges, pledging renewed training, stronger safeguarding measures and improved incident reporting.
The review, led by Sir David Bell, found that almost three in five Jewish young people and half of Jewish teachers had experienced or witnessed antisemitism. Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the findings exposed the "shocking scale" of the issue and promised to act on the recommendations.
Key changes promised
Ms Powell, the MP for Manchester Central, will write to schools and colleges to inform them that they should adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism. The Government says a common definition will "improve understanding and confidence" and help education professionals recognise and respond to antisemitism.
The Government said it will develop and roll out training, practical resources and good practice guidance to help education leaders and staff identify, challenge and prevent antisemitism. Safeguarding guidance will be strengthened to make clear that antisemitism is "a distinct risk and therefore requires a distinct safeguarding response," Ms Powell said, rather than being treated solely as part of wider prejudice or racism.
Reporting and curriculum changes
Schools and colleges will be encouraged to "record antisemitic incidents as a specific category", helping to ensure concerns are recognised and addressed consistently. The Government has also promised guidance to help schools navigate difficult issues relating to political impartiality and discussions about Israel and the Middle East, ensuring antisemitism is challenged.
Holocaust education will remain compulsory in the national curriculum, with the Government promising to update and strengthen how it is taught. The curriculum will place greater emphasis on "the contribution, the culture and the history of Jewish people in Britain" reflecting Sir David's finding that the Holocaust should not be the "only thing they (young people) know about Jewish people". Ms Powell also said the Government would "boost opportunities for engagement with Jewish cultural experiences".
Support and oversight
School leaders will receive dedicated support to manage complex and serious antisemitism cases, including guidance on when concerns should be escalated. The Government said it will strengthen guidance to help schools navigate political impartiality and sensitive geopolitical issues, as well as offer guidance that state schools should consider the appropriateness of political expressions or identifiers.
A new implementation group bringing together key stakeholders will oversee delivery of the recommendations. Sir David will review progress after one year to assess whether the changes have been implemented.
