Schools of Sanctuary
Schools of Sanctuary is a growing network of more than 1200 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms across the UK all committed to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for those forced to flee.
Driven by teachers, school staff, parents, governors and community groups, this network supports the thousands of children and young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, raises awareness of the experiences of people seeking safety, and plays a key role in building a culture of kindness and compassion.
Schools are the heart of our communities and are central to building a better, fairer and kinder society – for everyone.
Any school across the UK can join the Schools of Sanctuary network and be part of the City of Sanctuary movement of welcome.
Join the Schools of Sanctuary Network
The Schools of Sanctuary programme works to advise, support and inspire the schools in our network, providing unique opportunities, regular events, bespoke resources and tailored advice and guidance to strengthen schools’ efforts to effectively meet the needs of learners seeking sanctuary, whilst building a culture of belonging in school and in their community.
The School of Sanctuary Award
More than 600 schools across the UK have already earned the School of Sanctuary award in recognition of their efforts to go above and beyond to build safer, kinder schools and communities. The first step – join the City of Sanctuary movement for welcome.
Our network of more than 50 trained and licensed local delivery partners, called Local Leads, oversee the award process for the schools in their area, making sure schools are supported every step of the way. They also ensure schools are connected to local opportunities and networks, helping to strengthen community-wide approaches and provide thoughtful, locally-tailored advice and resources.
Schools of Sanctuary has been recognised as one of 29 global ‘promising practices’ in inclusive and sustainable refugee education by the UNHCR, Refugee REACH at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Qatar Foundation International (QFI), Save the Children, Sirius and the University of Nottingham. Learn more.
The British Council also highlight the positive impact Schools of Sanctuary has on building ‘newly arrived ELT resilience’ in schools: Learn more.