February 24, 2026
Building sanctuary, one school at a time
Becoming a School of Sanctuary means making a promise: your school is committed to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for those forced to flee. This month, we were thrilled to see that promise in action during a visit to a local Lewisham school!
So, what does it really mean?
A School of Sanctuary is one that learns about why people seek safety, takes meaningful steps to support them, and shares that commitment with the wider community. Across the UK, more than 600 schools have achieved the award so far. It’s part of the wider City of Sanctuary movement, which also includes places and institutions like libraries, universities and even whole boroughs. In fact, both Lewisham and Greenwich are proud Boroughs of Sanctuary!
As local leads for the School of Sanctuary award, we recently visited Our Lady and St Philip Neri (OLSPN) Primary School as part of their application assessment process.
It was a joy to see their commitment firsthand; from diverse bookshelves to a curriculum where inclusivity is woven throughout. Pupils also shared how their school creates a safe and welcoming environment for classmates and families seeking sanctuary. We’re so proud to award yet another school in the heart of Lewisham this special recognition.
If you’re interested in becoming a School of Sanctuary, start by contacting your local lead. If you are in Lewisham or Greenwich, that is us at LRMN! We guide schools through the application process and support you to embed sanctuary values across your school community.
Applications are reviewed by a local panel that always includes people with lived experience, making sure their voices shape every step. Successful applications are then sent to the national body for confirmation of the award.
Together, we can continue building schools where every child and family feels like they belong. If you haven’t signed our Sanctuary pledge in Lewisham and Greenwich yet, please consider and show your support today. It helps strengthen our shared goal of creating communities that are safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone seeking sanctuary.