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The leader of a review into antisemitism in England’s schools and colleges says Jewish schoolchildren are facing “regular and hostile abuse”.

Sir David Bell, who has been tasked by the government with investigating how schools and colleges in England identify, respond to and prevent antisemitism, has revealed the first findings from his review today.

The former Ofsted chief inspector and Department for Education permanent secretary warned that there had been a “sad increase in the number of antisemitic incidents reported in schools and colleges”.

Discussing Jewish faith schools, Sir David said: “The level of physical security is quite extraordinary.

“I don’t think that’s really appreciated, that we have this group of children and young people in this country who are subject not just to those security measures but also to regular and hostile abuse.”

Antisemitic abuse from adults

The Community Security Trust, which monitors antisemitism in the UK, found that there were 178 school-related antisemitic incidents in the first six months of this year, an increase of 59 per cent from the 112 incidents reported over the same period last year.

“That is not just abuse from other young people. The students I spoke to in London were getting quite a bit of abuse from adults as well,” Sir David told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“So I think this is really worrying, and I think very concerning for this group of schoolchildren.”

Sir David added: “One of the features of the review so far is a desire for more and better materials in identifying antisemitism, talking about antisemitism and tackling it, so I’ll be looking at a range of educational materials.”

‘Pernicious impact’ of social media

Sir David said people had highlighted the “pernicious impact” of social media, adding: “Very quickly conspiracy theories spread via social media. Antisemitic tropes and other offensive material are there.

“We’ve got to try to, if we can, stop at the source those kinds of materials being available to children and young people.”

Responding to the review, education secretary Lucy Powell said: “Every child, whatever their background or faith, should feel safe and welcome at school and college.

“Antisemitism has no place in our society, let alone our education system. Jewish children and staff should never face hatred or prejudice, and every school and college must be equipped to tackle it when it happens.”

She described the review as a “vital piece of work”, adding: “I will carefully consider the conclusions and recommendations to ensure we do what is necessary to prevent antisemitism in our schools and colleges.”

Sir David’s full recommendations will be published in the autumn term.