Government responds to antisemitism review in English schools, including a review of Holocaust teaching

The Department for Education (DfE) published the government's response on 21 October 2026 to an independent review of antisemitism in schools and colleges in England, led by Sir David Bell. Education Secretary Lucy Powell called it a "generational moment".

What the review found

According to the government announcement, antisemitism is a significant and growing problem in the education sector. Jewish pupils, students and staff experience abuse, harassment and discrimination in schools and colleges. Three in five Jewish pupils aged 16–19 had experienced or witnessed antisemitism. The review also found that contemporary forms, including those linked to the Middle East, have become "unacceptably casual".

Planned measures

The government says it will:

• encourage schools and colleges to adopt the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) working definition of antisemitism,
• provide dedicated training for school leaders and designated safeguarding leads,
• strengthen guidance, including on safeguarding, teachers' standards and political impartiality,
• improve reporting and monitoring of antisemitic incidents,
• give more support to institutions handling complex cases.

The response stresses that criticism of the policies or actions of the Israeli government is not, in itself, antisemitic. At the same time, antisemitic tropes, conspiracy theories and collective blame of Jewish people are to be recognised and challenged. Teachers should be able to tell where legitimate political debate ends and antisemitism begins.

Holocaust education

The review recommends that DfE commission an evidence-based review of how effective Holocaust education is. It would look at how pupils encounter and understand the Holocaust, and identify good practice and areas for improvement. It also calls for clear aims for Holocaust education in guidance, with antisemitism as a central factor in explaining the Holocaust. A third recommendation is that all schools and colleges should mark Holocaust Memorial Day. The government's response to these points was "Agree".

The response notes that some institutions fear marking the day, or have chosen not to, because pupils or parents might link it to events in Israel and Palestine. The government says the day should stay focused on remembrance and education, not be used to promote political or partisan views.

Implementation

An implementation group with key stakeholders has been set up to monitor progress. Sir David Bell has been asked to review progress after one year. In the House of Commons debate, MPs asked about extra funding, enforcement and teacher training. The excerpts available do not record a clear answer on funding.

What it means for families in the UK

The changes apply to schools and colleges in England, so they may affect children of Polish and other families attending them. This covers lesson content on the Holocaust, guidance for teachers and the marking of Holocaust Memorial Day. Details of how individual schools will implement the changes are not yet known.