St Francis Catholic Primary: A School of Sanctuary

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." – Hebrews 13:2

At St Francis Catholic Primary, we are more than just a school. We are a family, a place of welcome and a beacon of hope for those in need. Recognised by the Diocese as a "small school with a big heart," we embrace our calling to serve, uplift and create a community where every child and family, regardless of background, feels valued and supported.

As a school dedicated to supporting the community, we are working towards becoming a School of Sanctuary. This means we stand firmly in solidarity with refugees, asylum seekers and families in crisis. We provide not only education but also warmth, security and unwavering support, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to flourish. Please follow and support our journey as we work to become an officially recognised and accredited School of Sanctuary. 

At St Francis, we live out the Gospel values of love, hospitality and service every day. Our School of Sanctuary status is not just an award. It is a promise. A promise to stand with those in need, offer a place of belonging and always be a school where kindness leads the way.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

📢 Together, we build a world where everyone belongs!

A Place of Welcome for All

At St Francis, we are proud to be a sanctuary for children and families who have faced hardship. Whether welcoming refugees fleeing conflict or supporting local families in times of struggle, we strive to embody Christ’s love through action.

We provide:
* A nurturing and inclusive school environment where every child is known and cherished.
* Pastoral care and emotional support to children adjusting to new surroundings.
* Practical assistance for families in need, from uniform and food provision to language support.
* Celebrations of diversity, helping all our children appreciate different cultures, traditions and histories.

We do this because we believe in the dignity of every person and in creating a world where all feel safe, respected and empowered to thrive.

Our Commitment to Social Justice

At the heart of our school is a deep commitment to serving others. Our children, staff and parents lead by example, giving their time, energy and kindness to those in need.

Through our community and charity projects, we:

💙 Fundraise tirelessly for local and global charities.
💙 Support food banks and outreach programmes to help struggling families.
💙 Welcome and assist refugee families with integration and support.
💙 Partner with organisations dedicated to social justice and outreach.

Every act of service, no matter how small, helps build a world rooted in compassion and love.

How You Can Support or Get Involved

Becoming a School of Sanctuary is not just a title. It is a way of living. If you would like to support our mission and our work, there are many ways to get involved:

🔹 Volunteer your time – Help at fundraising events, mentor a child or assist with school initiatives.
🔹 Donate – Contribute to our food bank drives, uniform support programmes or refugee assistance efforts.
🔹 Raise awareness – Share our work and help spread the message of sanctuary and inclusion.
🔹 Partner with us – If you are an organisation dedicated to social justice, we would love to collaborate.

If you would like to support our work, please contact the school office or Ceri Bowen - our School of Sanctuary Lead. 

Useful Links & Further Information

To learn more about Schools of Sanctuary and how you can support refugees and families in need, visit:

🔗 City of Sanctuary – https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org/home/about
🔗 The Refugee Council – https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/
🔗 Caritas Social Action Network – https://www.csan.org.uk/
🔗 UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency – https://www.unhcr.org/uk/