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Two new Schools of Sanctuary in Calderdale!

Two new Schools of Sanctuary in Calderdale!

We are so proud to announce that we ended the school year with a bang by awarding not one but TWO new Schools of Sanctuary in Calderdale!School of Sanctuary is an accreditation programme created by City of Sanctuary UK to help schools learn about forced migration and become more inclusive and welcoming of students who are seeking asylum, or who have refugee status, and their families.

Celebrating the School of Sanctuary award at Halifax Academy. From left to right: Chris Foley, Trustee of Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary; Rebecca Hopper, HLTA at Halifax Academy; Glynn Eastwood, Teacher of Humanities at Halifax Academy; Fatima, Year 6 student at Halifax Academy; Councillor Steven Leigh MBE, Mayor of Calderdale; Alina, Year 6 student at Halifax Academy; Blake Doe, Membership Engagement Lead at Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary. Credit: Calderdale Mayoralty

Blake Doe, Membership Engagement Lead for Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary, said: “These two schools are in different areas and serve very different demographics, but they have one thing in common: they care about making Calderdale safe, inclusive and welcoming for those who seek sanctuary here.”

The Mayor of Calderdale attended an end-of-year assembly at Halifax Academy to formally present the award to the school, while the President of the Rotary Club of Brighouse presented the award to Lightcliffe CE Primary, where the Rotary Club runs a weekly group for Year 5 and Year 6 students.

Celebrating the School of Sanctuary award at Lightcliffe CE Primary School. From left to right: Simon Hustler, President of the Rotary Club of Brighouse; Adelle Hustler, Co-Headteacher; Georgia, Anna, Jack and Jack, Year 5 students and members of the Refugee Week 2025 committee. Credit: Lightcliffe CE Primary School