School leaders within the Jewish community are increasingly prioritizing security measures over educational activities due to a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, according to a recent review. The Community Security Trust (CST), an organization providing security for the Jewish community, reported a record high in antisemitic incidents in schools during the first half of 2026.
The CST recorded 178 incidents in the first six months of 2026, a 59% increase from the 112 incidents reported during the same period in 2025. Dr. Dave Rich, director of policy at the CST, stated that the review is timely and expressed hope that it will lead to practical recommendations for effectively tackling antisemitism in educational settings.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell acknowledged the review as a vital piece of work. She informed the BBC that she would carefully consider its conclusions and recommendations to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent antisemitism in schools and colleges. Powell emphasized that antisemitism has no place in society or the education system and that Jewish children and staff should not face hatred or prejudice. She added that all schools and colleges must be equipped to address such incidents when they occur.
One teenager, Jonathan Frisher, a sixth-former from Cheshire, shared his experience of antisemitic bullying that began when he started secondary school in 2020. Frisher was the only Jewish student at his school. He found that a single lesson on modern-day antisemitism had a significant positive impact, leading to immediate changes in attitudes, apologies from peers, and a reduction in antisemitic incidents. He believes this approach could be effective nationwide.