To ask you to help with a cover story for my Jewish child

"You can complain to Ofsted about a state school, academy, free school, or children’s social care service if you have already followed the provider's formal complaints procedure and the issue remains unresolved."

Of course that would raise a whole other set of issues but maybe the threat would be enough?

I'm lost for words.

I don't know the English system. In Scotland, there would be a complaint to the Director of Education for the Local Authority.

I posted up thread about how I am of Italian heritage but many people assume I am Jewish (I have my Dad’s English surname which sounds like an anglicised version of an Eastern European name, as it happens).

I do understand those saying this thread isn’t real, but in case it is let me say this.

I have only ever been asked if I was Jewish by well intentioned people. I have often thought about what I would say if someone asked me with evil intent, and have come to the conclusion that I would not answer them. Not because I think I am so very virtuous but I literally don’t think I’d be able to form the words - I would not want to encourage that type of person and do not think that I actually could. However I am an adult and I realise it could be quite different for children at school.

I can’t see how saying that they are say Polish will confirm that they are Jewish if they speak Polish and (what’s more important) are catholics and can refer to it. If they don’t speak Polish and not catholics that how them lying becomes obvious.
My point is that for any country you name you have to provide cultural reference points e.g language, religion and if you can’t - your lie is obvious.

Why would you make your child go to a school where this behaviour is happening? If the teachers have this attitude then you know there’s no repercussions for pupils, I’m sorry but I wouldn’t put my child through this.

You can borrow my Armenian heritage if you like, OP. No one knows where it is, or anything about it, and it's even got its own church (Armenian Orthodox).

Unless of course you're from one of the neighbouring countries who think less of us (it's a popular negative stereotype in the region) in which case, well, welcome to the club.

I'm sorry that I have no advice, but I am horrified and sickened this is happening to your family, and others on this thread. My heart goes out to you all, and sincerely hope your youngest has a better experience.

Poc could never away with a cover story! No matter what. Friends and family growing up in the 70's had to put up with all sorts of racists. Sadly their seeing their children having to go through same these days. Seems racists have been give a greenlight over the last few years.
Can't exactly change skin colour.
A friend had to pull their dd out of college due to a lack of support when she rasied what was happening, But that seemed to get the right people involved (maybe a funding thing!) as they then facilitated working from home (provided laptop and all work) and she aced all her exams and coursework! Obviously not the best way to handle it but it's what she wanted at the time and helped her mental health.

Polish people aren't olive skinned.

I do understand. And I still agree with other posters, as I said. Additionally, are there other families that you know who have encountered antisemitism at school? Are there any local agencies or community groups that could help advise you? It sounds heartbreaking and rather scary. I’m glad you’re doing your best to advocate for your daughter.

I'm so sorry to hear that @Aislyn. I'd like to say I'm shocked but the way the world leaders are behaving right now nothing would surprise me about ordinary people.

I'm a retired secondary school teacher (Scotland).

You should make a formal complaint.

Yes to both of you. The pp who don’t get it don’t have to go that far back.

OP - ignore the “I don’t understand, just say British!” Unhelpful.

For dc2 I think I’d give a suitably British vague answer like “complex, mum’s side is Polish and Dads side is a mix from a couple of different Middle Eastern countries.” (Or suggest dads family are from somewhere else if that helps)

If things are really so bad, perhaps the OP could say "the Balkans". That way, there's no need to specify a language.

No child should face racism or religious hatred.
How would she feel about moving schools? Not all schools are like this. My DC had Muslim, Jewish and Hindu friends and they all just got along.
Would you consider looking at a Catholic school? In my experience they do a lot of work re kindness and respect.

The staff?! This is outrageous.

I just googled and apparently there is only one Uppingham Road in the country. Who'd have thought?! Should have said Beaver Street 🤣

I get where you’re coming from OP and it’s so sad this is happening in 2026.
A few of my family members have dark hair etc and are asked where it comes from, we know it was from my Grandad but not sure. I’m fair/light hair so I’m never asked those sorts of questions, I do get the ‘British’ comment.
If they do answer ‘London’ they could just leave it at that but the school should definitely be taking it seriously.