Sanctuary status awarded to Northumberland school

04 Apr 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Bede Academy in Blyth has become the first high school in Northumberland to be awarded School of Sanctuary status for fostering a safe and welcome culture.  

Schools of Sanctuary status is awarded to schools that have opened their doors to those children and young people seeking refuge in England.  

Working closely with Northumberland County Council the school has welcomed children and young people who have sought asylum in the county.
 
Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children’s services, said: “This award is extremely deserving, and I congratulate them on achieving it. Bede Academy has shown great commitment to ensuring its school environment is a welcoming and safe one.

“Right now, with the heartbreaking situation in Ukraine and those fleeing the war, we are seeing more than ever how important it is to support those most in need.”

Schools of Sanctuary status is awarded to schools that ensure they are educating the entire school community about the human right to sanctuary, identifying practical means that demonstrate that commitment and building empathy and intercultural awareness through promoting the voices and contributions of people seeking sanctuary, whilst encouraging an understanding of the experiences of displaced people and helping to combat stereotypes. 

Andrew Thelwell, Principal (Secondary) of Bede Academy, said: “I am extremely proud of our school for achieving this award.  

“To seek asylum in another country must be a daunting experience and if we can support those children and young people to gain an education and feel welcomed that will go a long way in helping them feel this is their home too. At Bede Academy we have a belief that all are made in the image of God. We believe that each individual is infinitely precious, and we aim to ensure that all students know that they are valued.  

"Through our Personal Development programme, we seek to better educating children and young people on the human right to sanctuary. By doing this we are helping them understand how they too can support those fleeing their home countries.” 

Ian Luke, Lead Practitioner, Traveller Refugee and Asylum Education, said “Being awarded a School of Sanctuary award not only shows how important making all welcome in the school is but shows the commitment towards making those young people who have been torn from their homes and brought to a country that is extremely different to what they are used to. The way these young people adjust and settle into their new environment so easily shows how well the schools have responded to their needs.  

“As the Ambassador for Schools of Sanctuary I can only praise the schools in Northumberland who have taken up the challenge to become a School of Sanctuary. I know all schools in the county are already going above and beyond to allow these young people to thrive in their communities, so it will be an easy transition to complete the application and receive the award. With the uncertain number of refugees coming in from the Ukraine more schools throughout the county will have an opportunity to work closer with the Equalities Team and provide support to help these young people to move on with their education in peace and safety.” 

Schools in the county wishing to see how they too can gain Schools of Sanctuary status can find out more at https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org/ or speak with the council’s Equalities team Lead Practitioner for Travellers Refugees and Asylum Seekers Education.