Seven schools recognised as Schools of Sanctuary in Northern Ireland

This is in addition to 67 nursery, primary and post primary schools, who have been presented with their awards since June 2017.

The schools will receive their awards at each of their schools by the Chair of the Belfast City of Sanctuary in June 2024.

As part of the Schools of Sanctuary SHARE principle, the schools will share experiences and good practice with a number of schools going forward to the next academic year. They will also share their experiences with other schools throughout the UK and Ireland.

A School of Sanctuary provides a welcoming, inclusive and safe space where each child thrives and cultural diversity is valued and celebrated. The programme, supported by the Education Authority (EA) and The Executive Office through the Urban Villages Initiative, provides opportunities for school staff to exchange ideas and share good practice and for children to develop intercultural skills, such as tolerance and empathy, across the curriculum. It strengthens connections with families and the wider community too.

EA Chairperson Barry Mulholland said:

“As our communities across Northern Ireland continue to evolve and diversify, it is important that all our children and young people are supported in warm and welcoming places for everyone.

As part of the School of Sanctuary programme in both Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, schools have shown great leadership and willingness to provide safe places for all children and young people including asylum seekers, refugees, Roma and Travellers.

The Education Authority is very pleased and grateful to the schools in how they have created great examples of safe, warm and welcoming environments for all these children, and we are proud to have been involved in the development of this Schools of Sanctuary programme over the past 7 years.

I would wish to thank everyone involved, including the dedicated school staff and the many talented children and young people who have showcased the fantastic work being carried out, and the creative and innovative practices that continues to be developed, to achieve their School of Sanctuary status.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:

"This year’s awards have seen a further seven amazing schools celebrating becoming a School of Sanctuary. There are now a total of 62 schools serving Urban Village areas that have achieved this status. This is a truly wonderful achievement that recognises the key role of children, young people, teachers and the school community in creating a safe and welcoming space for all students. It is really important for students to feel they belong and that they can make a valuable contribution. Well done to everyone involved.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:

“The Schools of Sanctuary Award is a fantastic way to recognise a school’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive place for newcomer children and their families.

We want our schools to be places where every child feels safe and accepted regardless of what language they speak, what they believe or where they are from. Schools serving the Urban Villages areas have been outstanding in leading the way, where pupils, teachers and the wider community have all contributed to improving equality and good relations across their schools and communities. A huge congratulations to you all.”

The new Urban Villages Schools of Sanctuary are:

St Anne’s Primary School, Derry/Londonderry
Chapel Road Primary School, Derry/Londonderry
Oakgrove Integrated Primary School, Derry/Londonderry
Rosetta Primary School, Belfast
Taughmonagh Primary School, Belfast
Holy Rosary Nursery School, Belfast
Ravenscroft Nursery School, Belfast