Brighton Avenue Primary becomes first in Gateshead to receive prestigious School of Sanctuary award
There were celebrations last week as Brighton Avenue Primary School became the first school in Gateshead to be awarded the prestigious School of Sanctuary title. The School of Sanctuary award was given to Brighton Avenue Primary School due to their promotion of shared values of compassion, acceptance, and respect.
The title is awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services, including councils, universities, theatres and libraries that welcome and support people seeking sanctuary.
School of Sanctuary is a network of more than 1200 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms all committed to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for those forced to flee. This means that they have committed to providing support to international newly arrived families, raising awareness of the issues facing people who are forcibly displaced in the world, as well as challenging misconceptions and building social cohesion.
Celebrating daily and embracing its unique diversity, Brighton Avenue Primary School has created an incredible place of belonging for everyone in their very happy school.
Through the Learn, Embed and Share process, the school fosters a culture of welcome, empathy and understanding for all those families attending. Setting high expectations and working collaboratively with the whole community to enrich the lives of everyone living in it, is just one of the many reasons why children thrive in this school.
Awarded outstanding in all areas during their recent Ofsted inspection (February 2025), Ofsted said,
"From the moment they arrive, pupils thrive in this happy school. Whatever their background or culture, they value each other and achieve very well. Pupils make a big contribution to this success. Their work in groups such as young interpreters and pupil champions is inspirational.
"The school's programme for the personal development of pupils is excellent. Pupils in the school are all 'STARS' - Safe, Together, Aspirational, Resilient, Successful. These attributes are embedded throughout the school and contribute to pupil's exceptional behaviour.
"Pupils take responsibility and help each other. This contributes to a deep respect for difference. Pupils value the support of their peers as highly as the support they receive from staff. They demonstrate considerable maturity in their attitudes to each other." Ofsted report, Feb 2025.
To celebrate, the school held a very special School of Sanctuary Celebration Day. Parents, carers and community guests including the Deputy Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes and Artist, Hamzeh Al Hussien, were invited to share their success. The whole school celebrated with a range of musical and dancing performances from the children, a plaque unveiling ceremony and arts and crafts workshops. A fantastic day was had by all as the Brighton Avenue community came together in unity to celebrate.
Joanne Allan, Brighton Avenue Primary School Headteacher said:
"Teaching our children about British values and preparing them for life in modern Britain so they can grow into respectful and hardworking adults is one of our many strengths. It is important to remember; we have all got something special to offer. No matter what country you are from, what your culture, religion or beliefs are, we want everyone to feel that our school is their home. Learning first-hand from each other enriches the lives of everyone and we are so proud of the very happy and caring school we have created."
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said:
"It is wonderful to see Brighton Avenue Primary School receive the prestigious School of Sanctuary Award, the first school in Gateshead to do so, it really highlights the fantastic work that everyone associated with the school does to foster a culture of welcome and safety where every child can thrive, including those seeking safety. From the Headteacher and school staff, to the pupils, parents, carers and governors, they have all made everyone feel incredibly welcome and part of their amazing school community."
Artist, Hamzeh Al Hussien, who was a special guest on the day said
"It is an honour to be part of recognising the very first School of Sanctuary award here in Gateshead. It is so important that children who arrive here feel welcome and safe and Brighton Avenue Primary School is such a positive experience for all children here."
There were celebrations last week as Brighton Avenue Primary School became the first school in Gateshead to be awarded the prestigious School of Sanctuary title. The School of Sanctuary award was given to Brighton Avenue Primary School due to their promotion of shared values of compassion, acceptance, and respect.
The title is awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services, including councils, universities, theatres and libraries that welcome and support people seeking sanctuary.
School of Sanctuary is a network of more than 1200 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms all committed to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for those forced to flee. This means that they have committed to providing support to international newly arrived families, raising awareness of the issues facing people who are forcibly displaced in the world, as well as challenging misconceptions and building social cohesion.
Celebrating daily and embracing its unique diversity, Brighton Avenue Primary School has created an incredible place of belonging for everyone in their very happy school.
Through the Learn, Embed and Share process, the school fosters a culture of welcome, empathy and understanding for all those families attending. Setting high expectations and working collaboratively with the whole community to enrich the lives of everyone living in it, is just one of the many reasons why children thrive in this school.
Awarded outstanding in all areas during their recent Ofsted inspection (February 2025), Ofsted said,
"From the moment they arrive, pupils thrive in this happy school. Whatever their background or culture, they value each other and achieve very well. Pupils make a big contribution to this success. Their work in groups such as young interpreters and pupil champions is inspirational.
"The school's programme for the personal development of pupils is excellent. Pupils in the school are all 'STARS' - Safe, Together, Aspirational, Resilient, Successful. These attributes are embedded throughout the school and contribute to pupil's exceptional behaviour.
"Pupils take responsibility and help each other. This contributes to a deep respect for difference. Pupils value the support of their peers as highly as the support they receive from staff. They demonstrate considerable maturity in their attitudes to each other." Ofsted report, Feb 2025.
To celebrate, the school held a very special School of Sanctuary Celebration Day. Parents, carers and community guests including the Deputy Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes and Artist, Hamzeh Al Hussien, were invited to share their success. The whole school celebrated with a range of musical and dancing performances from the children, a plaque unveiling ceremony and arts and crafts workshops. A fantastic day was had by all as the Brighton Avenue community came together in unity to celebrate.
Joanne Allan, Brighton Avenue Primary School Headteacher said:
"Teaching our children about British values and preparing them for life in modern Britain so they can grow into respectful and hardworking adults is one of our many strengths. It is important to remember; we have all got something special to offer. No matter what country you are from, what your culture, religion or beliefs are, we want everyone to feel that our school is their home. Learning first-hand from each other enriches the lives of everyone and we are so proud of the very happy and caring school we have created."
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said:
"It is wonderful to see Brighton Avenue Primary School receive the prestigious School of Sanctuary Award, the first school in Gateshead to do so, it really highlights the fantastic work that everyone associated with the school does to foster a culture of welcome and safety where every child can thrive, including those seeking safety. From the Headteacher and school staff, to the pupils, parents, carers and governors, they have all made everyone feel incredibly welcome and part of their amazing school community."
Artist, Hamzeh Al Hussien, who was a special guest on the day said
"It is an honour to be part of recognising the very first School of Sanctuary award here in Gateshead. It is so important that children who arrive here feel welcome and safe and Brighton Avenue Primary School is such a positive experience for all children here."
