A touring theatre production and learning resources designed specifically for Catholic schools are among “innovative” programmes awarded government funding aimed to tackle antisemitism in education. Four programmes aimed at schools, colleges and universities have been awarded a share of £1 million, through the Department for Education’s “tackling antisemitism in education innovation fund”. It follows the launch of an independent review into how schools identify, address and prevent antisemitism, led by former Ofsted and DfE boss David Bell. The eight-month contracts run from July until mid-March 2027. It is not yet clear whether further funding will be available following that. Someone Else’s Eyes (SEE) has been handed the largest contract, worth half-a-million pounds. SEE describes itself as a “UCL-affiliated consultancy and training provider specialising in psychologically informed behaviour and cultural change”. It has previously trained hundreds of people at public sector organisations including the Army and College of Policing. Antisemitism course It will use the funding to launch its “Bridges & Studios” programme in schools, colleges and universities. The four-step programme will see pupils aged 16 and above “engage with simulated social media feeds, practicing respectful disagreement, and work on mixed media projects in multi-faith groups”, said the DfE. SEE said the programme aims to equip young people with “courage, curiosity, self-awareness, and openness to others” so they can “respond differently” to antisemitism, and all forms of prejudice. The programme is designed by experts, including psychologists, academics, and school leaders, SEE said. It hopes to initially run the programme in 16 schools, colleges and universities, primarily in the London area. Founding director Samuel Landau said: “We have already seen the transformative impact of this approach elsewhere in the public sector. “We now have an opportunity to bring these same principles into school, college, and university communities – equipping young people with the self-awareness, curiosity, and empathy needed to support the flourishing and inclusion of all.” Antisemitism training for Catholic schools The Board of Deputies of British Jews has been awarded £100,000 to design materials specifically for Catholic secondary schools. The resources will teach pupils how to “recognise and challenge antisemitism, including harmful myths and conspiracies circulating on social media and online gaming platforms”. They will also help teachers deliver “accurate, empathetic lessons on Jewish identity, diversity and lived experience”. The resources will initially be shared to all Catholic secondaries within the Archdiocese of Birmingham. The Archdiocese will help develop the resources, along with the Catholic Education Service. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies, described it as an “important pilot”, which could be scaled across Catholic schools nationally in future. More funding would be required for this. “It is vital that schools teach young people to recognise and reject antisemitism,” he said, paying tribute to the Catholic Church for its “commitment…to taking real and meaningful steps to educate children against antisemitic hate.” Touring theatre production A further £200,000 contract has been awarded to Collingwood Learning, in partnership with Holocaust Centre North. They are set to work with young Jewish people across the north to create a touring theatre production which will then be delivered in secondary schools alongside workshops. No further details are yet available. Meanwhile, NUS Charity has received £200,000 to fund a fellowship programme for HE students, to train them to be leaders on campus to help “support inter-faith and inter-cultural dialogue”. A spokesperson said: “Antisemitism has no place in our society, and we are committed to doing all we can to stop it. We recognise the importance of uniting diverse student voices in a polarised climate.” A DfE spokesperson described the four new contracts as “a crucial contribution towards this government’s commitment to promoting social cohesion and stamping out hatred in education”.