Schools of Sanctuary 
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 principles 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!
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 200 schools who are proud to be a School of Sanctuary. There is probably one near you willing to help you start your journey.
Latest Schools Posts from across the City of Sanctuary Network
DKIT is spreading the Sanctuary Spirit of Welcome and Inclusion
New Beginnings and Highlights for 2018
Posted by: Places of Sanctuary IrelandBeyond the Single Story
Dublin City University’s the Centre for Human Rights and Citizenship Education is running a intercultural education conference. Click on the…
Posted by: DublinYorkshire and Humberside Regional Gathering - Day of Diversity and Inspiration
On 8 December, around 70 people came together at the Swarthmore Centre in central Leeds for the Yorkshire and Humberside…
Posted by: City of SanctuaryAn Evening of Welcomes - 28th January 2019
The Project With funding from South Swindon Parish Council, Twenty Welcomes was created. This innovative poetry project, celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Refugee Week, and captured…
Posted by: SwindonSchools of Sanctuary goes to Intercultural Education Conference in DCU
DCU’s Centre for Human Rights and Citizenship Education ( St. Patrick’s Campus) is holding an Intercultural Education Conference on 25th…
Posted by: Places of Sanctuary IrelandThe Journey to Safety and Welcome - a Schools of Sanctuary project
On Tuesday 11th December, 4:00pm-5:00pm, at Drove Primary School, teachers from Drove Primary School and artists Rachel Pryor and Nicky-Ann Walker will be…
Posted by: SwindonNorwich's Schools of Sanctuary
Seven local schools have been awarded Sanctuary status so far, with three more set to gain the award in early…
Posted by: NorwichReport from the inspirational Midlands regional gathering
This is a short report from an excellent and inspiring Midlands regional gathering of the City of Sanctuary movement which…
Posted by: City of SanctuaryLatest news from Schools of Sanctuary in Swindon
Half term already? How did that happen… here’s what our 12 schools in Swindon and Wiltshire are doing to embed…
Posted by: SwindonMore about Project Get Together [PGT]
By Sian Cox for HBTSR.
Posted by: Hay, Brecon and Talgarth