School of Sanctuary

St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School – School of Sanctuary

At St Bernadette’s, we are proud to be working towards School of Sanctuary status. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school for all pupils, staff, and families — especially those seeking sanctuary.

What It Means to Be a School of Sanctuary

Being a School of Sanctuary means our school:

• Welcomes everyone – no matter their background, culture, or where they come from.

• Teaches understanding – pupils learn why people are forced to leave their homes and how we can respond with empathy.

• Encourages kindness and respect – inclusion is at the heart of all school activities.

• Celebrates diversity – through assemblies, creative projects, and community events.

• Involves the wider community – families, staff, and local partners all play a part in promoting welcome and safety.

Our Mission

We aim to make St Bernadette’s a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. Inspired by our Catholic faith - remembering that “Jesus himself was a refugee” - we encourage our pupils to show kindness, understand differences, and take action to make the world a more inclusive place.

Our Activities

Some ways we live our Sanctuary values in school:

• Refugee Week projects – learning, reflection, and creative activities.

• Assemblies and story-telling – sharing real-life stories to build empathy.

• Creative campaigns – banners, welcome cards, artwork, and prayer projects.

• Curriculum integration – embedding sanctuary themes across subjects to inspire understanding.

Join Us

At St Bernadette’s, we believe everyone has a role in making our school a truly welcoming community. We invite families and the wider community to get involved and help us continue this important journey.