Schools and Colleges of Sanctuary

What is a School or College of Sanctuary?

It is a school or college that helps its students, staff and wider community to understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary, and to extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community.

There are three simple principles to being a School or College 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, college and the wider community
3. Share your vision and achievements – be proud!

Click here to find out more

Why become a School or College of Sanctuary?

Creating a sense of safety and inclusion is beneficial to all members of the school community
It is an opportunity to create a clearer understanding of what it means to seek sanctuary and to dispel some negative myths
It provides learning opportunities around human rights, social justice, diversity and interdependence (Global Dimension concepts)
It strengthens race equality and community cohesion work in schools and colleges
It is an opportunity to increase student voice and promote active citizenship
It can augment your work to attain the Stephen Lawrence Education Standard or other inclusion initiatives

How do we become a School or College of Sanctuary?

Contact [email protected] to express your interest in becoming a School of Sanctuary. Read through the guidance, the resource pack and example applications.
A member of our team will arrange a meeting/telephone call to discuss the process and signpost any further resources you need.
Sign up to our organisational pledge committing the school to acknowledge and support the Bristol City of Sanctuary vision.
Complete the audit template, to demonstrate what has been done to date and what areas need more work
Create a plan to develop the areas in which room for improvement has been identified by the audit. This should include an evidence file (portfolio, visual diary, PowerPoint etc) to demonstrate what you are doing.
Submit your application form to our Schools of Sanctuary group. We will then contact you to carry out an assessment visit and/or a phone interview to review the application.
Share your progress and your achievements! Please publicise on the school website and on social media pages.

Download the full application process here

Schools and Colleges that have achieved Sanctuary Status in Bristol

We are incredibly proud of the schools and colleges to have been awarded Sanctuary Status. All have gone above and beyond to embed a culture of welcome in their schools and to promote sanctuary. If you are just about to start on this journey, we would encourage you to link up with other local schools to support you in this work.

Awarded schools and colleges:

City Academy Bristol, City of Bristol College, St Nicholas of Tolentine, St Mary Redcliffe Primary School, Easton CE Academy, Fairfield High School, Orchard School, Blagdon, Willow Park, Bristol Cathedral Choir, Cotham School, Holy Cross RC Primary, Montpelier High School, Evergreen Primary School.