At St Nicholas of Tolentine we help our students, staff and wider community understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and we extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community. St Nicholas of Tolentine is proud to be a place of safety and inclusion for all. 

We support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution. We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work (as far as our specific context enables us to). We recognise the contribution of refugees and people seeking sanctuary to British society. Sanctuary seekers are welcomed, included and supported within our organisation.

What is a School of Sanctuary?

School of Sanctuary is a growing network with more than 380 primary and secondary schools all committed to supporting the thousands of young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, creating a culture of welcome, and raising awareness of the issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers.

Driven by teachers, school staff, parents, governors and community groups, the School of Sanctuary network supports the thousands of young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, raising awareness of the issues facing people in the asylum system, challenging misconceptions and building social cohesion.

This growing network is supported by the umbrella organisation City of Sanctuary UK (CoS UK).

The City of Sanctuary UK

The City of Sanctuary UK organisation and its networks are guided and informed by a commitment to the following values:

• Inclusiveness: We welcome and respect people from all backgrounds and place the highest value on diversity and are committed to equality.
• Openness: We are committed to a culture of working collaboratively within the network and in partnership with others.
• Participation: Those who support our vision, work together with people seeking sanctuary. We value and recognise the contribution of all involved. We aspire to ensure people seeking sanctuary are fully involved in decision-making processes and supported to become leaders within the City of Sanctuary organisation and network as well as the wider movement.
• Inspiration: We work with enthusiasm and positivity and are determined to surpass what has already been achieved to welcome refugees and people seeking sanctuary. We act as a catalyst for change by being open to new and innovative ideas and through sharing knowledge gained with others and working in partnership.
• Integrity: We aspire to high standards of honesty and behaviour, and always act in the interests of people seeking sanctuary.

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