City celebrates new Schools of Sanctuary

Eight more schools across Newcastle have been awarded School of Sanctuary status.
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Group of school children and adults in front of a building holding up certificates

Eight more schools across Newcastle have been awarded School of Sanctuary status for their work with students from sanctuary backgrounds. This includes Jesmond Park Academy which is the first secondary school in the city to be awarded.

The School of Sanctuary Award honours schools that go above and beyond in welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. These schools work to educate their communities about the challenges sanctuary seekers face, incorporating lessons on migration, refugee experiences, and human rights into their curriculums. Achieving this award is a year-long process, during which teachers reflect on their practices and enhance their efforts to create an inclusive learning environment.

Cllr Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for a Growing City, Newcastle City Council said: “It is fantastic that we have eight more schools’ part of this valuable network. Newcastle is known for being a welcoming city to all and this work is helping to continue this within our next generation.”

Steve Campbell, Principal, Jesmond Park Academy said; “I just want to say how delighted and proud I am about receiving the school of sanctuary award. It reflects a lot of hard work from all the staff and students at the school and it reinforces the message that everyone is welcome here.” 

In a ceremony held at the Great North Museum seven of the eight schools, Archibald First School, Brunton First School, English Martyrs Catholic Primary School, Jesmond Park Academy, St Teresa’s RC Primary School, Tyneview Primary School, and Westgate Hill Primary School, celebrated this achievement, and received their awards. The awards were presented by Rosie Tapsfield, Director of Operations at City of Sanctuary UK, alongside colleagues from the Schools of Sanctuary team in Newcastle Tom Lynam and Sarah Edgar.

Rosie Tapsfield, Director of Operations at City of Sanctuary UK, said: “I was thrilled to be part of the awards ceremony and to see such brilliant work happening across Newcastle schools. The schools join a network of over 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, including more than 600 schools who have achieved the Schools of Sanctuary recognition. Well done Newcastle!”     

The schools join a network of more than 600 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.

The work to achieve this award is driven by teachers, school staff, parents, governors, and community groups, and 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.

Sarah Edgar, Education Consultant, Newcastle City Council said: 

“The programme has seen significant growth over the past two years, with 30 schools now holding the School of Sanctuary status. Feedback we have received from schools involved in the process this year has been overwhelmingly positive.”

One school noted: 

‘‘The knowledge and understanding gained throughout the application process were invaluable. We used this opportunity to enhance support for our most vulnerable students and feel encouraged by the programme."

This year, several secondary schools are working toward becoming Schools of Sanctuary, with a new initiative inviting students to shape projects that support those seeking sanctuary. This initiative is supported by Newcastle’s Voice and Influence team, which is facilitating engagement in two secondary schools, empowering students to play a key role in their school’s journey toward inclusivity. 

Thomas Southerton, Voice and Influence Officer, Newcastle City Council said: “It has been great working with the young people at Jesmond Park Academy over this year have come up with some fantastic ideas which have really supported the school’s application to become a School of Sanctuary. The work with the young people is ongoing with some fabulous activities planned during Refugee week next year.”

The Schools of Sanctuary Awards Day is an annual event at the Great North Museum: Hancock, hosted by the Education team. Students from awarded schools participate in a variety of interactive activities, including the "Make Your Mark" project, where they create and contribute objects symbolising their school’s sanctuary values. Other activities included a scavenger hunt and learning about the region’s diversity during Roman times through the "Diversity on Hadrian’s Wall" project. 

Any school is welcome to join the network and any Newcastle schools interested should contact sarah.edgar@newcatsle.gov.uk