School of Sanctuary

St Margaret Mary's Junior School are currently working towards the Schools of Sanctuary Award. We are proud of our diverse, inclusive and welcoming community here at St Margaret Mary's Junior School and therefore are committed to becoming a School of Sanctuary. A School of Sanctuary builds empathy and intercultural awareness whilst educating the whole school community of becoming responsible citizens.This ensures that our school is a place that fosters a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary, including asylum seeking and refugee families.

At St Margaret Mary's Junior School, we are committed to ensuring that our children and their families, staff and the community understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and the struggles asylum seekers and refugees face. We extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community. We aim to extend a hand of friendship to those who need it; making everyone feel equal and valued as part of our school community.

All of our pupils are valued as individuals and are equal to one another. We regularly provide our children with a wealth of experiences which help them to understand and appreciate the cultures of other countries and indeed of our pupils.

What is a School of Sanctuary?

Schools of Sanctuary are a national network of over 400 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms all committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Driven by teachers, school staff, parents, governors and community groups, this network supports the thousands of young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, raises awareness of the issues facing people in the asylum system, challenges misconceptions and builds social cohesion.⁣

Schools are supported every step of the way either by an accredited Local Lead or by the Schools of Sanctuary Team at City of Sanctuary UK.