Sanctuary status awarded to Powys high school

3 July 2025

A south Powys high school has been congratulated by the county council after becoming the first high school in the county to be awarded School of Sanctuary status for fostering a safe and welcome culture.

Brecon High School has received the School of Sanctuary Award, which recognises those schools that go above and beyond in fostering a culture of welcome, inclusion, and support for people seeking sanctuary, including refugees and asylum seekers.

The school have carried out a whole range of activities to inform and embed the ethos behind Schools of Sanctuary.

Pupils in all key stages of the curriculum learn about migration, the history of refugees and what it means to seek sanctuary. They have experienced inspirational speeches and workshops from people who have successfully received sanctuary.

The pupils have also raised money for a local refugee charity and a charity in Ukraine and are actively involved in the whole process.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, congratulated the school on their achievement.

"We are incredibly proud of Brecon High School for leading the way in Powys. This award is a powerful reflection of the school's dedication to compassion, inclusion, and community," said Cllr Roberts.

"It sets a shining example for other schools in the county and shows what can be achieved when we work together to create safe and welcoming spaces for all learners."

The School of Sanctuary Award is part of a growing national movement, with over 600 schools across the UK now recognised for their efforts to support sanctuary seekers.