Analysis of How British Schools and Universities are Responding to Rising Antisemitism

May 11, 2026, 14:30
UKPolitics

Introduction

Recent reports show a steady increase in antisemitic incidents across UK primary, secondary, and university education. Consequently, there are growing calls for changes to the law and the school curriculum.

Main Body

The debate regarding secondary education has been driven by Jonathan Frisher, a student who suffered from targeted harassment and threats. Frisher emphasized that a specific curriculum focusing on modern antisemitic ideas—rather than just Holocaust studies—helped change the behavior of his peers. This view gained support through a petition that grew rapidly after a violent attack in Golders Green. Although the Department for Education has made Holocaust education mandatory and spent £7 million to fight hatred, Frisher argues that these steps only treat the symptoms instead of addressing the lack of knowledge about Jewish contributions and modern prejudice. Similarly, concerns have risen in universities, as highlighted in a report by StandWithUs UK. The document claims that university leaders have failed to protect Jewish students and suggests that 'academic freedom' is being used as an excuse to spread antisemitic stereotypes. Furthermore, the report asserts that some teachers have encouraged the marginalization of students, turning universities into places where radical ideas spread. Because of this instability, a group of politicians from different parties has asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer to clarify if anti-Zionism should be legally classified as antisemitism. The Prime Minister has described the situation as a crisis and has provided £1 million for community safety.

Conclusion

The UK is currently facing a complex challenge in reducing antisemitism. As a result, many experts are calling for a shift from simple security measures to mandatory educational programs.

Learning

🚀 The 'Cause and Effect' Leap

At the A2 level, you likely use 'so' and 'because' for everything. To reach B2, you need to use Connectors of Consequence. These words make your writing sound professional and academic rather than like a casual conversation.

🔍 Spotted in the Text

Look at how the article links ideas without using 'so':

  • "...rising antisemitism. Consequently, there are growing calls..."
  • "Because of this instability, a group of politicians..."
  • "As a result, many experts are calling for..."

🛠️ How to Upgrade Your Speech

Instead of saying: "I didn't study, so I failed the test," try these B2-level patterns:

  1. Consequently (Formal/Strong): Use this at the start of a new sentence to show a direct result.

    • Example: The weather was terrible. Consequently, the flight was cancelled.

  2. As a result (Clear/Logical): Perfect for conclusions.

    • Example: The company lost money. As a result, they hired fewer people.

  3. Because of + [Noun] (Efficient): A2 students say "Because it was raining..." (Clause). B2 students say "Because of the rain..." (Noun phrase).

    • Example: Because of the new law, schools must change their books.

💡 Pro-Tip for Fluency

Stop using "so" to start every sentence. If you replace one "so" with "Consequently" and one "because" with "Because of [noun]" in your next essay, you are already moving toward B2 territory.

Vocabulary Learning

harassment
Repeated unwanted behavior that causes distress to someone.
Example:The school implemented strict policies to curb harassment among students.
threats
Expressions or indications of intent to cause harm or danger.
Example:He received threats after speaking out against the policy.
curriculum
A planned set of lessons, topics, and learning objectives for a course.
Example:The new curriculum includes a unit on global history.
Holocaust
The genocide of Jews and other groups during World War II.
Example:Students studied the Holocaust to understand its impact.
mandatory
Required by law, rule, or authority; compulsory.
Example:The course is mandatory for all senior students.
symptoms
Signs or indications that something is wrong or needs attention.
Example:The symptoms of stress were evident in his behavior.
prejudice
Preconceived negative judgment or bias against someone or something.
Example:Prejudice against minorities remains a societal problem.
marginalization
Treating someone or a group as insignificant or unimportant.
Example:Marginalization of certain groups can lead to inequality.
instability
A lack of steady or consistent conditions, often leading to uncertainty.
Example:Political instability affected the university's operations.
crisis
A critical or dangerous situation that requires urgent action.
Example:The crisis demanded immediate action from the authorities.
university
An institution of higher education that offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Example:The university offers diverse programs for international students.
academic
Relating to education, research, or scholarly activities.
Example:Academic freedom is essential for research and innovation.
freedom
The power or right to act, speak, or think without restriction.
Example:Freedom of expression is protected by law.
excuse
A reason or justification given to avoid blame or responsibility.
Example:He offered an excuse for his tardiness.
classified
Sorted into categories or levels, often indicating secrecy or confidentiality.
Example:The documents were classified as confidential.
safety
Protection from harm, danger, or risk.
Example:Safety measures were put in place during the event.
experts
Individuals with specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area.
Example:Experts recommend a comprehensive approach to education.
shift
A change or movement from one state, position, or perspective to another.
Example:There was a shift in policy after the report.
measures
Actions or steps taken to achieve a particular result or solve a problem.
Example:New measures were introduced to improve security.
educational
Relating to teaching, learning, or the provision of knowledge.
Example:Educational resources were updated to reflect current research.
programs
Organized courses or sets of activities designed to achieve specific objectives.
Example:The programs aim to support underrepresented students.
complex
Consisting of many interconnected parts or elements, often difficult to understand.
Example:The issue is complex and requires collaboration.