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 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 the Sanctuary award. Click here see 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 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
Nottingham has its first School of Sanctuary
We were delighted to present the Bluecoats Aspley Academy this week with their award certificate. Cherry Pearce, English teacher at…
Posted by: NottinghamYork City of Sanctuary are hosting Songs of Sanctuary
Songs of Sanctuary is a fusion of classical Syrian music and contemporary folk songs performed by Sam Slatcher and Raghad…
Posted by: YorkBirmingham Schools of Sanctuary impress international delegates in Athens
Schools of Sanctuary teachers and CoS National Development Officer with some of the Greek delegates
Posted by: City of SanctuarySchool of Sanctuary Award for Washwood Heath Academy in Birmingham
We were delighted to present Washwood Heath Academy in Birmingham with the School of Sanctuary Award. We have worked with…
Posted by: BirminghamWe need your help to update the Schools of Sanctuary Resource Pack!
City of Sanctuary is delighted to share that we are working to update the Schools of Sanctuary resource pack. We…
Posted by: SchoolsHarlesden school awarded prestigious ‘School of Sanctuary’ status
Revd Leao Neto (far right), Chair of Brent Borough of Sanctuary, presented the award.
Schools of Sanctuary Celebration and CRIS (Community Relations in Schools) Buddy Up Launch at Belfast City Hall
Schools of Sanctuary Celebration and CRIS (Community Relations in Schools) Buddy Up Launch at Belfast City Hall – Monday 16th…
Posted by: BelfastSchools of Sanctuary - 10-Sep-2019
Schools of Sanctuary is a City of Sanctuary national stream that aims to make schools places of welcome. Schools with the award have demonstrated that they follow the Schools of Sanctuary model to ‘learn, embed and share’ issues related to refugees and asylum seekers. Bradford, Harrogate, Leeds, Ripon, Sheffield and Skipton all have at least one School of Sanctuary. York currently has none, which is why Edward Webb and Selena Whitehead, with the support of Sara Trewhitt our Regional Coordinator…
Posted by: YorkHome Office Welcome Guide for New Refugees
The Home Office has published a guide for adults who have been granted asylum in England to access public services and make the most of the opportunities in the UK. The guide includes a general introduction to the UK and an overview of what needs to happen in the ‘move on period’ for newly recognised refugees in terms of accessing support, employment and housing. It also has information on how to access education and health care, as well as an…
Home Office Welcome Guide for New Refugees
The Home Office has published a guide for adults who have been granted asylum in England to access public services…
Posted by: City of Sanctuary