Schools of Sanctuary

We are extremely proud to be working towards becoming a School of Sanctuary. We believe it will allow learners, staff and the wider community to understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and to extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community. We have signed the Schools of Sanctuary Pledge to commit to creating a place of welcome for refugees and people seeking asylum.

‘We support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work (as far as our specific context enables us to).

We recognise the contribution of refugees and people seeking sanctuary to British society. Sanctuary seekers are welcomed, included and supported within our organisation.

We support our local City of Sanctuary group, and will facilitate contact between the group and ourselves.

We are willing for our school’s name to be added to a list of supporters of City of Sanctuary, linked to our website.

We are also willing to be contacted by City of Sanctuary with further ideas for how we can turn our support into practical action and to discuss ways we might work together to promote the vision further.’

We are really pleased to be on this journey as it will provide valuable opportunities for the school to be recognised as a place of safety and inclusion to all. It aligns with our Christian values and will benefit all members of our School and Community.

What is a School of Sanctuary?

A School of Sanctuary is a national network of over 300 primary and secondary schools all committed to creating a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary, including asylum seeking and refugee families. This could be people whose lives were in danger in their own country, who have troubles at home or are just looking for a safe place.

A School of Sanctuary educates the whole school community about the Human Right to Sanctuary and identifies ways that schools can practically demonstrate their commitment in making a difference in the world and their local community. It means that as members of a Sanctuary School we will extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of society.

A School of Sanctuary builds empathy and intercultural awareness through promoting the voices and contributions of people seeking sanctuary. It cultures an understanding of the experiences of displaced people and helps combat stereotypes.

A School of Sanctuary is a school that helps its learners, staff and wider community understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and to extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community.

It is a school that is proud to be a place of safety and inclusion for all.

During our School of Sanctuary Status application process we, as a school, will consider our School Improvement Plan and school policies – particularly around inclusion and English as an additional language:

• Do we currently have any elements of promoting welcome and inclusion in your school policies?  
• Reflect on what our school does currently to welcome new pupils, staff, families and visitors to the school, and how you support an ethos of inclusivity.
• How do we use the national curriculum to support and learn about sanctuary and migration?
• What regular school events (assemblies, celebrations, learning excursions) can incorporate themes about displacement, migration and asylum?

To find out more about Schools of Sanctuary, click below