England's government will overhaul Holocaust and antisemitism education in schools following a major review that found what Education Secretary Lucy Powell called "shocking" levels of antisemitism among young people.
Schools and colleges in England must now treat antisemitism as a distinct safeguarding risk rather than address it only through general anti-racism and bullying measures. The government has accepted all 27 recommendations from a review led by former Ofsted chief inspector Sir David Bell, which was presented to Parliament on Wednesday.
The changes include mandatory teacher training, more consistent recording of incidents, and encouragement for schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. A dedicated helpline will provide school leaders with immediate advice on tackling antisemitism.
Powell told the BBC that antisemitism among young people is "particularly prevalent" and has worsened since Bell began the review. She described it as a "generational moment" to educate students about antisemitism "in the modern world" and said Holocaust education lessons will "challenge" misconceptions young people hold.
The review examined evidence from pupils, teachers, governors, parents and community organisations across state and independent schools. It found Jewish schoolchildren experience regular harassment and abuse, and that some Jewish school headteachers spend more time on security arrangements than educational matters. The BBC previously reported that Jewish schools in England operate under heightened security with cameras, fencing and dedicated security staff.
The Community Security Trust, which advises the Jewish community, recorded a spike in antisemitic incidents at schools in the first half of 2026.
Some groups have raised concerns about the recommendations. The National Education Union worried that adopting the IHRA definition risks "blurring the line between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and the genocide in Gaza", and cautioned against creating a "hierarchy of racism". The Board of Deputies of British Jews, however, said the definition would help schools understand contemporary antisemitism. Dan Green, Chief Executive of the Anne Frank Trust UK, said one-off assemblies are insufficient and students need space to ask difficult questions and understand antisemitism's broader history.
The review was commissioned following high-profile incidents including an attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester in October 2025 in which two men were killed.