Abandoning young people to the dark places they can find elsewhere’: The implications of the anti-radicalisation policies in UK secondary schools

Authors

Freya Cooper, University of Plymouth

Abstract

The rise of extremist groups in the United Kingdom has led to the introduction of new policies, created by the Home Office, Home Department and Department for Education. These policies are designed to reduce the risk of radicalisation in young people and schools are required to adhere and promote these policies within their educational institutions. This means that both staff and students are to be protected from the risk of radicalisation, with potential threats being identified and escalated. The legislation covers all types of radicalisation; however, this research is focussing on the way in which it has been used to prevent far-right extremism and the effects this has had on other groups in schools. Whilst these policies are created to protect, there have been some significant negative implications including students experiencing higher levels of prejudice and staff struggling with their identity as educator vs surveillance agent. This case study explores the practices schools are required to follow while analysing the concerns of those affected and proposing more sustainable solutions.

Recommended Citation

Cooper, Freya (2025) "Abandoning young people to the dark places they can find elsewhere’: The implications of the anti-radicalisation policies in UK secondary schools," Plymouth Institute of Education Open Journal: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70156/2634-8594.1010
Available at: https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/pieoj/vol2/iss2/4