A School of Sanctuary is a school that is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all, especially those seeking sanctuary. This could be people whose lives were in danger in their own country, who have troubles at home or are just looking for a space of safety.
A School of Sanctuary is a school that helps its students, 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.
The programme began in Yorkshire, England, and there are now Schools of Sanctuary in Wales and Ireland as well as many English cities and towns, and the resources can be adapted for a variety of school demographics and education systems. We strongly encourage schools to work in partnership with local City of Sanctuary groups and other partner organisations.
If you would like to know more about getting the programme started, please get in touch through the contact page.
There are three simple processes to being a School of Sanctuary:
- Learn about what it means to be seeking sanctuary.
- Take positive action to embed concepts of welcome, safety and inclusion within your school and the wider community.
- Share your vision and achievements – be proud!
We have devised set of minimum criteria around each of the three Learn, Embed and Share processes which we expect schools to achieve for recognition as a School of Sanctuary. Click here for the most up to date guidance on the criteria and the application process.
Visit our pages Why become a School of Sanctuary? and How can my school get involved? to find out more and see our Resources page for information and ideas to get you started! Click here to find the list of more than 300 schools who are proud to be a School of Sanctuary. There is probably one near you willing to help you start your journey.