Education Secretary Lucy Powell has accepted all 27 recommendations of a landmark independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges, describing its findings as a "generational moment" for the education system in England.
The review, led by former Ofsted chief inspector Sir David Bell, found that antisemitism is a significant and growing challenge for schools and colleges, with Jewish pupils, students and staff facing abuse, harassment and discrimination. Three in five Jewish pupils aged 16 to 19 said they had experienced or witnessed antisemitism.
It also found that antisemitism has taken on contemporary forms, including when linked to events in the Middle East, which have made it "unacceptably casual" in too many places.
Lucy Powell: 'Implementation is now my priority'
"Every child and every teacher should be able to go to school or college free from fear. Sir David Bell's review shows we are a long way from that," Lucy Powell said. "Antisemitism is an ancient evil, and today it remains as pernicious as ever."
"We have a duty to teach this generation and the next what antisemitism is, why it's wrong and what happens when it takes hold. That goes for every school and college, whether or not they have Jewish staff and students. It's part of teaching our young people the British values of tolerance, acceptance and respect. Implementation is now my priority."
What will change
The government's response includes dedicated antisemitism training for school and college leaders and safeguarding staff, stronger guidance on safeguarding and political impartiality, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, and improved reporting and recording of antisemitic incidents.
Schools and colleges will be encouraged to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism, and will get enhanced support when handling complex cases and sensitive discussions about Israel and the Middle East. Antisemitism will also be treated more firmly as a safeguarding issue.
An implementation group, bringing together students, teachers, school and college leaders and Jewish community organisations, has been set up to drive delivery, and Sir David Bell will carry out a one-year review of progress.
"I call upon everyone with an interest in our nation's future to redouble their efforts to ensure that our education system is safe for everyone, including our fellow Jewish citizens of whatever age," Sir David Bell said.
Sadiq Khan: 'No place in our schools'
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan welcomed the focus on schools, warning that reports of antisemitic incidents in schools in England have risen by 59% in a single year. "The poison of antisemitism has absolutely no place in our city, and certainly not in our schools," he said. "We must stamp out this hatred before it takes root, so every young person can feel safe at school."
