School of Sanctuary

What is a School of Sanctuary?

A School of Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a secure and inviting environment for all individuals in search of refuge. It provides a refuge for those whose lives were threatened in their home country, those facing challenges at home or anyone simply seeking a secure environment.

This school actively promotes understanding among our pupils, staff and the wider community about fostering an environment of equality, viewing everyone as a valued member.

St Joseph's school stands as a place committed to safety and inclusion for all.

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Here at St Joseph's we believe promoting British values and working towards the School of Sanctuary award go hand in hand. By fostering democracy, respect, and individual liberty, a school creates a culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the Sanctuary principles of welcome, safety, and understanding. This alignment shows how fundamental British values are not just taught, but lived—supporting all pupils, including those seeking sanctuary, to feel valued and heard. We use our curriculum to support this at every opportunity.

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Our strong catholic ethos runs through everything we do, making the values of welcome, safety, and inclusion a consistent, visible part of everyday school life. These principles are woven through policies, the curriculum, staff training, and the overall school culture. Our lessons reflect diverse perspectives, assemblies reinforce messages of belonging, and we feel confident supporting pupils seeking sanctuary. Our Catholic virtues align with core values like respect, equality, and participation.

Our community is at the heart of all we do. We proudly support not only our families but the wider community also. We want to give a voice to all those people who need to seek sanctuary within and beyond the school community. By embedding these values in everyday practice and communication, our school helps build a wider culture of understanding and compassion, supported by our strong Catholic ethos.