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:

1. Learn about what it means to be seeking sanctuary.
2. Take positive action to embed concepts of welcome, safety and inclusion within your school and the wider community.
3. 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

• Harlesden school awarded prestigious ‘School of Sanctuary’ status

  Revd Leao Neto (far right), Chair of Brent Borough of Sanctuary, presented the award.

  
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• Schools 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: York

• 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 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…

  Posted by:

• 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

• Teesside University

  Teesside University offers a range of events and support for individuals from various backgrounds including Black, Minority and Ethnic Groups.…

  
  Posted by: Tees Valley

• Thirteen's school uniform

  
  Posted by: Tees Valley

• Boundless- Bernie Jordan

  Miss Taylor arrives, her entry steel barred. Security cameras lock onto her face then a catch is released with a beep and a click. The gate swings closed behind, and the door opens with a belch of deodorised air. She attempts a ‘hello’ through a Perspex screen, and the receptionist tries to apologise, pointing to the computerised arrivals system.

  Posted by: Bolton

• 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: Birmingham

• Schools of Sanctuary starting in Hastings - June 2019

  Dr Felicity Laurence – Chair of Hastings Community of Sanctuary

  
  Posted by:

• Two new primary schools in Birmingham receive the Sanctuary Award

  In June, two Birmingham primary schools received the Sanctuary Award.

  
  Posted by: Birmingham