School of Sanctuary

St Mary's Lewisham was the first school in London to become a School of Sanctuary in June 2021 and our award was renewed in June 2025 (click here to read the report).

 This award recognises our work supporting and empowering students, parents/carers and the local community to take action in improving the experiences of people who are seeking sanctuary in the UK.  

 A School of Sanctuary:

• Is a place that fosters a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary, including asylum seeking and refugee families.
• Educates the whole school community about the human right to sanctuary and identifies practical means for schools to demonstrate that commitment.
• Builds empathy and intercultural awareness through promoting the voices and contributions of people seeking sanctuary, encouraging an understanding of the experiences of displaced people and helping to combat stereotypes. 

Some of our recent successes include:

• Working with Citizens UK to abolish the £1,102 child citizenship fee for families that are unable to afford it
• After years of organising, our campaigning with Citizens UK and other UK schools and charities ensured that all children who are eligible, regardless of parents' immigration status, can claim Free School Meals