Last week the Wollaton Academy, part of the Archway Learning Trust was recognised as the latest school to join the ever expanding network of Schools of Sanctuary across the UK.  The award was presented by Sally MacDonald, lead of the Schools of Sanctuary team from Nottingham City of Sanctuary and Professor Cora Lindsay from Nottingham University Centre of English Language Education.  Sally said “On behalf of Schools of Sanctuary UK, I am delighted to confirm that Bluecoat Wollaton Academy has been accredited as a School of Sanctuary”.  She added “They have created a culture where all students feel safe to celebrate and express their own culture, while at the same time respectfully accepting that others may be different.  Staff and pupils know how to welcome people seeking sanctuary and ensure they have the best possible support to thrive at the school.”  One pupil, when asked if there was anything else the school could do to support them said the school couldn’t do better.

Featured in the photo are Nergus Quaiser, Bluecoat Wollaton Academy academic coach for English as an additional language (EAL), Professor Cora Lindsay from Nottingham University, Sally MacDonald and Louise Greenwood lead teacher for EAL.

We would like to thank Lou Brimble from In Your Area for permission to use the photograph.