In Refugee Week in June 2022, Lawnswood School and John Smeaton Academy received their School of Sanctuary Awards at a special ceremony at the Civic Hall with the Lord Mayor in attendance. These are the first schools to receive the award in the recent relaunch of the Schools of Sanctuary initiative in Leeds. City Academy, Allerton CoE primary, and Cross Street Primary in Wetherby also attended the event as they are working towards the Award and this was celebrated. Councillor Harland gave a speech along with the Lord Mayor. Students spoke of their own experiences of being a refugee and the welcome they received at their respective schools. Others spoke of how moved they were by reading stories of child refugees and the often harrowing experiences they go through on their journeys and even on arriving in UK.
New Schools of Sanctuary Awards in Leeds
