Welcoming children seeking sanctuary

We are delighted to announce that Reading School has become the very first School of Sanctuary in Reading. It is a privilege to be able to offer meaningful support, care and compassion for children and young people seeking sanctuary from around the world, and it would not be possible without the dedication and commitment from staff and our students.

We very much enjoyed evidencing our work during 2023 and sharing our ideas in an open and transparent way with the City of Sanctuary Appraisal Team during their auditing phase. The appraisal team shared in their feedback:

“We hope you will have the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate your hard work, and to look forward to the future as a School of Sanctuary and look at how you continue to develop your Sanctuary activities. Becoming a SoS is not an easy task, and requires a whole school effort and requires going above and beyond statutory requirements - and Reading School has provided an exceptional example of what being a School of Sanctuary is all about. We are sure that the whole team of staff and students is proud of what they do to welcome sanctuary-seekers in Reading. We also hope that the School continues to work with other schools locally and nationally in promoting sanctuary and in inspiring and supporting other schools in their bid to obtain this award.”

We would like to thank Mr Colin Campbell and his team from City of Sanctuary, along with highlight the work of Teacher of Geography, Mr Kees Luteijn, who has led our efforts to support children and young people seeking refuge, which has led to becoming the first school in Reading to be recognised as a School of Sanctuary. This is who we are as we dream of opportunity for others, nurture a purpose-driven culture, lead through service while flourishing with compassion.

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