Sisters of St Joseph of Peace stand with Schools of Sanctuary in the face of false claims

In one Suffolk school, pupils learnt a few words of Dari and Pashto (the two official languages of Afghanistan) so they could write welcome cards for children arriving from Afghanistan. In another, parents prepared welcome packs for asylum-seeking families, inspired by their children's lessons. These small acts of kindness are at the heart of Schools of Sanctuary, a growing national network that has transformed hundreds of schools across the UK.

In recent weeks, the positive work being done has been misrepresented by false and inflammatory claims. Far-right groups have targeted a handful of schools and incorrectly suggested that these schools, which operate independently, were asking children to send Valentine's cards to adult asylum seekers. In reality, pupils had written short, anonymous notes such as "Welcome to our town" and "We hope you feel safe here." These were, in a few cases, shared with local refugee support groups under strict safeguarding measures.

What is Schools of Sanctuary?

Schools of Sanctuary is a network of schools, nurseries, and sixth forms dedicated to fostering a culture of welcome, understanding, and belonging for individuals forced to flee their homes. Its goal is straightforward: to ensure that every child, particularly those seeking sanctuary, feels safe, has a sense of belonging, and can thrive in their educational environment.

The programme provides schools with resources and guidance to support new arrivals, challenge misconceptions, and embed inclusive practices in everyday school life. It encourages links with local charities and community groups while connecting schools into a UK-wide network that shares resources and best practice. Schools that commit to this work can apply for the Schools of Sanctuary award, a recognised sign of their dedication to welcome and inclusion.

Faith schools at the forefront

Catholic and other faith schools have often been at the forefront of this movement, living out their values of compassion and justice. In Birmingham, for example, a network of Catholic schools has consistently spoken out with courage in favour of inclusion and hospitality. Yet this values-based stance has also made faith schools particular targets of recent hostility.

In a statement issued on 10th September 2025, the Congregation Leadership Team of the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace said: "We believe that every child and family deserves to feel safe and supported, and that truth must be upheld against falsehoods. We call for calm, respect, and truthful communication, and we give thanks for the courage and commitment of teachers, parents, and children who are working daily to build welcoming communities".

A call for truth and solidarity

The statement condemned recent misrepresentations as "consciously inflammatory and dangerous," warning that they risk sowing fear and division in local communities. The sisters representing the congregation stressed that the reality is very different: Schools of Sanctuary exists to "promote understanding, kindness, and compassion so that schools and communities can be safer, more welcoming places for everyone."

The Sisters concluded: "We give thanks for the courage and commitment of teachers, parents, and children who are working daily to build welcoming communities."

How schools can get involved

If your school would like to be part of this movement, you can find detailed information, resources, and guidance on the Schools of Sanctuary website. The programme offers free materials, training opportunities, and connections to local and national support networks. Schools are encouraged to work towards the Schools of Sanctuary award as a public commitment to welcome and inclusion.

Further information:

- Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace: www.csjp.org/
- Schools of Sanctuary: Statement: https://cityofsanctuary.org/2025/08/12/schools-of-sanctuary-how-it-works
- Schools of Sanctuary: https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org/home/faqs
- City of Sanctuary UK: https://cityofsanctuary.org/
- BBC News: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0r70egwkjko
- Bristol Post: www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-school-hits-back-morally-10435000
- Newcastle Chronicle: www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/what-school-sanctuary-valentines-day-32258450.amp