School of Sanctuary

 
The School of Sanctuary Pledge
We support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work (as far as our specific context enables us to).

We recognise the contribution of people seeking sanctuary. People seeking sanctuary are welcomed, included and supported within our context.

We are willing for our organisation’s name to be added to a list of supporters of City of Sanctuary, linked to our website. We are also willing to be contacted by City of Sanctuary with further ideas for how we can turn our support into practical action and to discuss ways we might work together to promote the vision further.”

Click here for the latest news about Fishergate’s journey towards becoming a School of Sanctuary.

Click to read about our collaboration with Sandblast Arts and Y5/6’s Pen Pals!

Fishergate Primary School is proud to be situated in the centre of York, which is a City of Sanctuary and the first UK Human Rights city. Here at Fishergate, we work together with our local community to help families fleeing violence, persecution and poverty. 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 welcome everyone as equal, valued members of the school community.

As an aspiring school of sanctuary, we are committed to

  • developing a growing understanding across the school about the experiences of people seeking sanctuary to challenge misconceptions, build empathy and solidarity, and to help you know best how to support and welcome them
  • taking positive action to embed concepts of welcome, safety and success within the school to ensure everyday culture and practice fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment where everyone can thrive, but particularly students seeking sanctuary
  • working collaboratively in the local area, including working with those seeking sanctuary, to share our values and efforts

What is a School of Sanctuary?

Click to visit the City of Sanctuary UK website

School of Sanctuary is a growing network of more than 1,200 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms 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.

This growing network is supported by the umbrella organisation City of Sanctuary.

Useful Links