Antisemitic graffiti was found yesterday inside a bathroom at Channing School, an independent day school for girls in Highgate, North London, The Jewish Chronicle has reported.

The graffiti allegedly included the statement “kill Jews” accompanied by a swastika.

Headteacher Lindsey Hughes wrote to parents telling them about the “horrifying” act.

She wrote: “I am deeply saddened to be writing to you this afternoon to let you know that a piece of antisemitic graffiti was found in one of the student toilets at lunchtime.

“As you would expect, we acted swiftly as soon as we were made aware of it, ensuring no more students had access to the bathroom and removing the graffiti.

“Nonetheless, a number of students saw what had been written and this has had an impact on the school community.”

Hughes added she would speak to the whole school to “reiterate unequivocally that antisemitism is abhorrent, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It has no place in our school and I am personally horrified that any student should have expressed such a view, and in this way.

“While we are unable to identify the author of this graffiti, I will make clear that I expect them to contemplate their actions and urge them to come clean about their involvement.

“I have no doubt that you will share my outrage and unhappiness at this situation and please rest assured that every adult in the school community will be working to ensure that this cannot happen again.”

The school said it was conducting an internal investigation into the incident which has been reported to the police and the Community Security Trust, a charity whose purpose is to provide safety, security and advice to the UK’s Jewish people.