Jewish school heads in Barnet spend 90% of time on security as antisemitic incidents rise

Headteachers at Jewish schools in Barnet are spending up to 90% of their working hours on security matters, leaving little time for educational priorities. The finding comes from Sir David Bell’s independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges, which has gathered evidence from pupils, staff, and parents across England.

One unnamed headteacher told the BBC that security concerns now dominate their role. "There have been weeks where approximately 90% of my time has been spent on security-related matters," they said. "It keeps me awake at night." Another headteacher, who has led a Jewish school for 13 years, said their focus had shifted entirely to safety, preventing them from improving the school’s educational standards.

Antisemitic incidents surge in schools

The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism, reported 178 incidents in schools during the first half of 2026. This marks a 59% increase from the 112 incidents recorded in the same period of 2025. The CST described the figures as the highest ever recorded for the first six months of a year.

Sir David Bell, a former Ofsted chief inspector leading the review, said the scale of antisemitism among children and young people was "shocking". A survey of 5,000 pupils conducted by UCAS found that about 20% had experienced or observed antisemitic behaviour in schools and colleges. Bell said many schools fail to record such incidents due to a lack of understanding about how to recognise antisemitism.

Pupils face abuse on public transport

Pupils at Jewish schools in Barnet report regular harassment on their journeys to and from school. Bell said children as young as 12 and 13 have been subjected to abuse on public transport. "It’s a very different experience for these children," he said. "They face regular harassment and abuse that most children in this country do not."

One teacher at a Jewish primary school in Barnet described heightened security measures, including under-car searches for staff vehicles. "There’s a security presence patrolling outside the school, inside the school, at all times of day," they said. Parents have reported antisemitic comments directed at pupils while walking to school, and children have been booed at sporting events.

Calls for mandatory antisemitism education

Jonathan Frisher, a sixth-form student from Cheshire who gave evidence to the Bell review, said a single lesson on modern antisemitism at his school led to an immediate reduction in bullying. "Attitudes changed immediately and people did apologise to me," he said. Frisher has campaigned for compulsory antisemitism education in schools, gathering nearly 40,000 signatures on a petition.

Frisher described his experiences of antisemitic abuse, including Nazi salutes and comments about gas chambers. "Swastikas were drawn in lots of classrooms," he said. "For someone whose family suffered in the Holocaust, it was incredibly difficult to deal with."

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the government would "carefully consider" the review’s recommendations. "Antisemitism has no place in our society, let alone our education system," she said. "Jewish children and staff should never face hatred or prejudice."

What happens next

Sir David Bell’s review is expected to be published in autumn 2026. It is likely to recommend mandatory training for teachers on recognising and reporting antisemitism, as well as improved education for pupils. The government has not yet confirmed whether it will adopt the recommendations, but Powell said the review was a "vital piece of work".