Antisemitism in UK schools has reached unprecedented levels in recent years, with a surge in incidents affecting Jewish pupils across the country, according to a new investigation, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The report, published by The Telegraph, highlights a sharp rise in antisemitic abuse since the October 7 attacks, with a record 4,298 incidents reported in 2023. Although numbers slightly declined to 3,556 in 2024, they rose again to around 3,700 in 2025.
Among the cases cited was an incident at a Church of England primary school in London, where two six-year-old Jewish children were called “baby killers” by classmates after singing Hebrew songs during a cultural event.
The investigation found that antisemitic behaviour is occurring across multiple regions, including Norwich, Devon, Epping, and Leeds. Incidents ranged from verbal abuse and Nazi salutes to physical intimidation and discriminatory treatment by both pupils and, in some cases, teachers.
In one reported case, a 13-year-old Jewish girl was targeted on a bus by younger students shouting anti-Israel abuse. In another, pupils at a football match in Norwich were subjected to antisemitic insults from both players and spectators.
Some parents also raised concerns about classroom environments, citing the display of political symbols and teaching materials they felt created hostility toward Jewish students. In certain cases, teachers were accused of presenting one-sided views on the Middle East conflict in ways that contributed to tension or exclusion.
UK Shadow Education Minister Saqib Bhatti described the findings as deeply concerning, warning that antisemitism appears to be spreading rapidly within the education system.
“These distressing reports should worry us all,” he said. “Our education system should be a safe space for all children… We must not allow Jewish children to be targeted for such horrendous abuse.”
In response to the findings, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has launched a review into antisemitism in schools and colleges, acknowledging that too many concerns raised by Jewish pupils and teachers have gone unaddressed.
“The figures are stark and clear,” Phillipson said. “That is not acceptable.”
The investigation underscores growing concern that antisemitism is not only increasing in frequency but becoming embedded in everyday school environments, raising urgent questions about safeguarding, education, and the responsibility of institutions to protect all students.
Photo credit: REUTERS/Toby Melville
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