Overview
- Official figures from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust show participation by UK secondary schools fell from more than 2,000 in 2023 to fewer than 1,200 in 2024 and 854 in 2025, out of over 4,000 schools nationwide.
- Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis warned that some teachers are taking the “path of least resistance” by avoiding events under pressure from parents and pupils and said he fears for this year.
- Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has launched a review of antisemitism in schools, saying she has serious concerns about leaders’ ability to address hatred and prejudice.
- Ofsted will inspect Bristol Brunel Academy after a planned visit by MP Damien Egan was postponed due to a notified protest, and the Education Secretary has asked the academy trust to commission an independent investigation.
- Charities urged schools to proceed with lessons and assemblies for January 27, with HMDT highlighting the 2026 theme of “Bridging Generations” and education groups reporting teacher anxiety and some programme postponements linked to community tensions.