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!
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
Nelson Mandela Primary School - Birmingham's latest School of Sanctuary
Nelson Mandela Primary School in Birmingham received the Sanctuary Award on 15th July. The school became a Rights Respecting School…
Posted by: BirminghamSchools of Sanctuary starting in Hastings - June 2019
Dr Felicity Laurence – Chair of Hastings Community of Sanctuary
Two new primary schools in Birmingham receive the Sanctuary Award
In June, two Birmingham primary schools received the Sanctuary Award.
Posted by: BirminghamHellesdon High School Becomes School of Sanctuary
On the 20th of June, Hellesdon High School celebrated World Refugee Day with a series of assemblies designed to celebrate…
Posted by: NorwichNewman Catholic College Awarded School of Sanctuary
Schools are often at the heart of a community, with the potential for outreach through students, staff and parents. To…
Come join Welcome Town this Refugee Week! 21-22 June (outside Lincoln Bus Station)
Welcome Town by Natasha Davis, a Future Arts Centres commission, developed in collaboration with ARC Stockton, Lincoln Drill Hall and Live Collision Dublin: www.lincolndrillhall.com/shows/welcome-town.
Documentary: A patchwork of 'Strangers'
https://youtu.be/s7_vyF1MqJ4
Posted by: NorwichTapestry tells story of welcome
A large-scale wall-hanging made by Norwich school children and local refugees will be exhibited across the city during Refugee Week.…
Posted by: NorwichHelp Sanctuary scholars challenge study bans
Two Sanctuary Scholars have recently been hit with study bans resulting in their suspension from Bristol University. If they study…
Posted by: Bristol2019 Annual Conference and AGM Report
Report on 2019 City of Sanctuary Annual Conference and AGM
Posted by: City of Sanctuary