Four Bradford schools presented with 'Sanctuary Award'

This week, three schools and one college from across the Bradford district were presented with a Sanctuary Award by The Lord Mayor on behalf of Bradford City of Sanctuary.

The award recognises good practice and provision in supporting refugees and people seeking asylum as well as ensuring a culture of welcome, safety, and inclusion is embedded throughout all areas of school or college life.

Keighley College awarded School of Sanctuary status. Image: UGC (Image: City of Sanctuary)

Keighley College, Westminster Primary School, St Mary’s and St Peter’s Catholic Primary School and Carlton Bolling received recognition at City Hall.

Kate Hart, Project Co-ordinator for Bradford Schools and Colleges of Sanctuary, said: “We are moved and inspired again and again by the incredible and compassionate work of our schools and colleges across the Bradford District.

"It is a privilege to be able to recognise and celebrate all that they are doing to support those seeking sanctuary and build cultures of tolerance, awareness and inclusion in their settings.”

These local schools and colleges now join a national network of over 450 schools and colleges all committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for refugees and people seeking asylum as well as ensuring all staff and students have a deep understanding and awareness around themes of migration and seeking sanctuary.

St Mary’s and St Peter’s Catholic Primary School awarded School of Sanctuary status. Image: UGC (Image: City of Sanctuary)

Driven by teachers, school staff, parents, governors and community groups, Schools and Colleges of Sanctuary support the thousands of young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, raise awareness of the issues facing people in the asylum system and aim to challenge misconceptions in order to build social cohesion.

The schools themselves contributed to make the awards event a huge success, with a performance from St Mary’s and St Peter’s Catholic School Choir and an address from Headteacher Simon Gallacher of Westminster Primary School who spoke with pride about the commitment of his staff and students to welcome and include new arrivals into their school community.

Westminster Primary School awarded Sanctuary award. Image: UGC (Image: UGC)

The awards were presented by The Lord Mayor and those present enjoyed listening to a bespoke piece of music created by Bradford Friendship Choir called ‘City of the World’ as well as hearing an inspiring address from Furaha Mussanzi who has lived refugee experience.

The ceremony took place as part of Refugee Week, a week to celebrate Bradford being a place of welcome for people who come here and to recognise the ways they enrich our community.