Review finds nearly 3 in 5 Jewish students in England report antisemitism

An independent review commissioned by the British government found that nearly 3 in 5 Jewish students in English schools report experiencing antisemitism, and 1 in 5 of all students have witnessed it. The report makes 27 recommendations, including adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism and improving staff training. Education Secretary Lucy Powell accepted all recommendations.

An independent review commissioned by the British government and published Wednesday found that nearly three in five Jewish students in English schools report experiencing antisemitism, and one in five of all students say they have witnessed it. The report, led by Sir David Bell, former head of Ofsted, makes 27 core recommendations to strengthen how schools and colleges handle and prevent antisemitism. Education Secretary Lucy Powell announced the government accepted all recommendations, declaring to MPs that 'change will come.' The report identifies widespread underreporting, inconsistent institutional responses, and a lack of staff training as major obstacles. It calls for schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism, treat antisemitism as a distinct category of harm, and broaden teaching about Jewish life beyond the Holocaust. The findings are based on a survey of over 5,000 English students aged 16-19, including 92 who identified as Jewish, though the report cautions the low sample size of Jewish students. Among Jewish respondents, 59% said they experienced antisemitism, most commonly through jokes, stereotypes, and comments. Roughly half of witnesses or victims did not report incidents, mainly because they did not think they would be taken seriously. British Jewish organizations welcomed the report and called for full implementation.