Northern Ireland Schools of Sanctuary programme reaches 107 schools

Northern Ireland’s Schools of Sanctuary programme has reached a milestone of 107 participating schools, with 11 schools recognised at a special awards ceremony in Belfast City Hall.

The event, held on Thursday 15 October as part of Good Relations Week, celebrated schools working to create welcoming and inclusive environments for children from different backgrounds.

Six schools received their School of Sanctuary Award, while another five achieved the School of Sanctuary Advanced Award.

The ceremony also marked the first time a special school had received the award.

Belfast schools among award recipients

The six schools receiving the School of Sanctuary Award were Holy Family Nursery Unit and Primary in North Belfast, St Bride’s Primary School in South Belfast, Park Special School in South/East Belfast, St Joseph’s Primary School in Ballyhackamore, Tullygally Primary School in Lurgan and Saints and Scholars Integrated Primary School in Armagh.

Five schools received the Advanced Award: Blessed Trinity College, Belfast Boys Model, Mercy College, Euston Street Primary School and Holy Rosary Primary School.

The awards recognise schools demonstrating a commitment to making children feel safe, valued and included, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Programme continues to grow

The Schools of Sanctuary programme is now in its ninth year.

Blythefield Primary School in South Belfast became the city’s first School of Sanctuary in 2017.

Since then, the programme has expanded across controlled, maintained, integrated and Irish-medium schools throughout Northern Ireland.

The awards are based on three principles: Learn, Act and Share.

These encourage schools to educate pupils about sanctuary, take positive action to create welcoming environments and share successful approaches with other schools.

Education Authority welcomes milestone

Dr Kieran Shields, Head of the Education Authority’s Intercultural Education Service, welcomed the achievement.

He said the award represented more than formal recognition, reflecting a commitment by entire school communities to inclusion and belonging.

Dr Shields added that it was encouraging to see 107 schools embedding the programme’s principles into their everyday activities.

Pupils celebrate at Belfast City Hall

The awards ceremony took place in the Banqueting Hall at Belfast City Hall.

Pupils and staff delivered presentations and performances highlighting the work undertaken by their schools.

Guests also had opportunities to meet participating schools and learn how the programme has influenced their communities.

The Schools of Sanctuary programme is managed in partnership by Belfast City of Sanctuary, the Education Authority’s Intercultural Education Service and, this year, Belfast City Council.

Schools interested in participating can access a resource pack containing examples of good practice and guidance on achieving the award.

Official programme information: Education Authority — Schools of Sanctuary

Other Education news: Paul Givan opens £846,804 classroom extension at Killyman Primary School