School of Sanctuary

Our Schools of Sanctuary Journey

Welcome is at the heart of who we are

As a Catholic school, we believe in the dignity of every person. Our commitment to compassion, solidarity and care for our neighbours calls us to welcome refugees and people seeking asylum, including families who have had to leave their homes because of war or persecution.

Being part of the Schools of Sanctuary network strengthens our commitment to helping children and families seeking safety feel they belong. We want our whole school community to understand their experiences, recognise their strengths and respond with kindness and respect.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Matthew 25:35

Our sanctuary work focuses on people seeking safety, particularly refugees and people seeking asylum. Through age-appropriate stories and learning, pupils will explore why families may be forced to leave home and how we can offer friendship and welcome. We will respect each family’s privacy and never expect children to share difficult experiences.

Learning, belonging and sharing

Our sanctuary journey will help us turn our values into practical welcome for refugees and families seeking safety.

01 LEARN – Grow in understanding

We aim to help children understand why people become refugees or seek asylum, explore their stories sensitively and recognise the contributions refugees make to our communities. Learning will build empathy and challenge prejudice.

02 EMBED – Make welcome part of school life

We will review how we welcome refugee children and families, listen to their needs and identify ways to help them settle. Our priorities will include clear communication, friendship, access to learning and signposting to appropriate support.

03 SHARE – Extend kindness beyond our gates

We will learn alongside our local sanctuary network and encourage pupils to show solidarity with refugees through welcome activities and sharing what they learn. We are also planning fundraising to support Schools of Sanctuary.

Our journey towards the award

Joining the network is an important first step in strengthening our welcome for refugees. We are working towards the School of Sanctuary award, with support from our local leads, Barbara and Denise.

We will use this page to share future activities, learning and progress with our school community.

01 Joined the network – October 2026

We have made our pledge to support a culture of welcome for refugees and all people seeking sanctuary.

02 Review and listen – next steps

We will review our practice and identify priorities for welcoming refugee families, inviting their views sensitively and without pressure.

03 Learn and take action – planned

We will develop learning about refugees and seeking safety, strengthen our welcome for new arrivals and plan a fundraising activity.

04 Share our progress – ongoing journey

We will work with our local network as we build towards an award application.

Everyone has a part to play

A warm greeting, an invitation to join a game or patient help with an unfamiliar routine can make a difference to a child who has had to leave home. Families who would like to help us build a welcoming school for refugees are invited to share their ideas with the school office.

Find out more:

• Schools of Sanctuary website
• Schools of Sanctuary: Resources and award guidance
• Schools of Sanctuary: A Day of Welcome
• Schools of Sanctuary: Fundraising