School of Sanctuary Award

The whole school community at St Joseph's began working towards the achievement of the nationally recognised School of Sanctuary Award in February 2020. We were so proud to be recognised for our dedication and commitment when we were awarded School of Sanctuary status in September 2021.  

A School of Sanctuary is a school that is committed to being a place of welcome and safety for those seeking sanctuary. This could be refugees and asylum seekers - whose lives were in danger in their own country, it could be those who have troubles at home or are just looking for a place 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; recognising everyone as equal, valued members of the school community.

We are a school that is proud to be a place of safety and inclusion for everyone. We take positive action to make inclusion part of the values of our school, to welcome sanctuary seekers and refugees and feel very blessed that they wish to join our school family - fully included in all aspects of school life. 

We strive to enable pupils, parents, staff and governors to gain a better understanding of issues of identity, diversity, equality and community so that we can make a positive difference to everyone in our school community who works, learns, grows and thrives as an integral part of St Joseph's.      

School of Sanctuary