One in Five Exposed to Antisemitism: The Alarming Picture from UK Schools

A UK government review reveals that one in five children has been exposed to antisemitism in schools. Headteachers describe heavy security taking over their work. CST recorded 178 incidents in six months, a 59% increase.

An independent government review commissioned in March by the UK Education Secretary to examine antisemitism in schools and colleges in England has revealed alarming preliminary findings. The review is led by Sir David Bell, former Chief Inspector of Schools in England, who said he was surprised by the number of Jewish school heads who described security as an issue that takes over their work, to the point where 'education takes second place.' He called the scale of physical security measures 'extraordinary' and warned of 'hostile and persistent abuse' experienced by Jewish children and teenagers. One of the most striking figures comes from a survey of about 5,000 children, in which about a fifth reported witnessing or experiencing antisemitism themselves. Bell heard testimonies of antisemitic abuse also from adults, not just children. The data joins the semi-annual report of the Community Security Trust (CST), which documented 178 antisemitic incidents related to schools in the first half of 2026, a 59% increase from 112 in the same period in 2025. In total, 1,926 incidents were recorded across the UK, the second-highest figure ever for a half-year, including 135 physical assaults—an 82% increase. The surge occurs against a backdrop of high levels of antisemitism since October 7, and events in the Middle East, including the war with Iran, serve as a catalyst. The review has not yet determined what lies behind the unusual rise specifically in the education system, and full conclusions are expected in the autumn.