Funding announced to tackle antisemitism in schools

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that the government will resume the procurement of £7 million worth of funding to tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges and universities.

The announcement comes after the number of recorded incidents of antisemitic abuse nationwide more than doubled in the first five months of 2024, compared to the same period a year earlier. On university campuses, the number of incidents grew by 465 per cent.

The funding will be used to educate people about antisemitism and better equip schools, colleges and universities to stamp out antisemitic abuse.

Phillipson made the announcement on a visit to a Jewish school on 7 October.

£500,000 of the £7 million funding has been awarded to the University Jewish Chaplaincy for welfare support for Jewish students in universities.

In an article for the Daily Telegraph, Phillipson said the government was “resolutely committed” to tackling antisemitic abuse.

She said: “It is completely unacceptable for Jewish students to feel they cannot fully participate in university life out of fear for their safety. All students, regardless of race or religion, should be free to focus on their studies rather than worry about their safety.”