Summerhill earns School of Sanctuary Award

The Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Yassin Mohamud visited Summerhill Academy to look at the work they have accomplished to secure the School of Sanctuary Award.

Summerhill Academy’s commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for all has seen it rewarded with a School of Sanctuary Award.

School of Sanctuary Awards recognise nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools that go above and beyond to foster safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for asylum-seeking and refugee families.

It is coordinated by City of Sanctuary UK and aims to challenge hostile rhetoric through education, empathy and community action.

Representatives from Summerhill will be invited to an official School of Sanctuary Award ceremony at We the Curious to formally receive the award from the Lord Mayor.

Summerhill leaders said the school team is incredibly proud of this achievement and thanked pupils, staff, families and wider community for their support in securing School of Sanctuary status.

Louise Dunbar, Designated Safeguarding Lead, said: “We are extremely proud to have been recognised as a School of Sanctuary.

“This award reflects the compassion, understanding and sense of belonging that our whole school community works hard to promote every day.

“We believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued and welcome, and we are committed to continuing to celebrate diversity and support families from all backgrounds.”