The British government has launched an independent review into antisemitism in England’s schools and colleges following a sharp rise in classroom-related incidents since the October 7th, 2023 Hamas pogrom in Israel.
According to the Community Security Trust (CST), which advises Jewish communities on safety, 204 school-related antisemitic incidents were recorded in 2025—double the number seen before 2023.
Nationally, antisemitic incidents rose by 4% in 2025, marking the second-highest annual total on record. A significant spike followed a deadly synagogue attack in northern England in October.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the figures as alarming. “The figures are stark and clear,” she said, adding that
too many Jewish teachers who raised concerns felt that nothing was done. That is not acceptable.
The review will examine how schools and colleges identify, prevent, and respond to antisemitic behavior. It will assess internal policies, incident-handling procedures, and preventive measures already in place. The investigation will also explore how external factors—including protests outside schools and wider geopolitical tensions—may be influencing behavior within educational settings.
A 2025 review found hostility toward Jewish communities to be widespread, extending beyond schools into universities, public services, and cultural institutions. Surveys indicate that only one-third of British Jews believe they have a secure long-term future in the country, with many considering emigration due to safety concerns.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering offering asylum to British Jews, citing concerns over rising antisemitism in the United Kingdom.
