Awarded School of Sanctuary Status 2025
We are absolutely delighted that St. John the Baptist’s College has been officially awarded the prestigious School of Sanctuary status, in recognition of our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all pupils in our school. This award is a tremendous honour for our whole school community and reflects something we have always believed in: that schools are places where kindness leads the way and every child feels that they truly matter.
Being named a School of Sanctuary recognises our whole school approach to inclusion: one that promotes kindness, empathy, and understanding in every aspect of school life. From classroom teaching to pastoral care, cultural celebrations to pupil voice, we strive to create a positive and nurturing environment for every child, every day.
On Wednesday (October 15) more than 20 schools from across Mid Ulster, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon gathered, to be recognised for their outstanding commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive environments for all pupils at the annual School of Sanctuary Awards.
Mrs Noella Murray, Principal of St John the Baptist’s College, commented: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award. It’s not just a recognition of what we do — it’s a reflection of who we are as a school. Creating a place where every young person feels valued, nurtured and empowered to excel.” This award acknowledges the efforts made right across the school, from staff and students to parents and the wider community, who have embraced opportunities to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and nurture empathy in everyday school life. Mrs Stacey Rodgers, who led the School of Sanctuary work, added: ‘This award is about much more than a title —it represents the culture of welcome that runs through every corridor, classroom and conversation in our school. We have seen firsthand how small acts of kindness, understanding and inclusion can transform lives. Every child deserves to feel safe, seen and supported, and that’s what being a School of Sanctuary is all about.’ As a proud School of Sanctuary, we look forward to continuing our journey as a beacon of inclusion, unity and hope.
Our School's of Sanctuary award has been featured on the BBC website, highlighting our newly established walk in wardrobe and nurturing ethos across the school for all our students. Click the link below to read the article. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq6912p5415o
