A Powys primary school has been recognised with a national award celebrating support for refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Llangattock Church in Wales Primary School was awarded ‘School of Sanctuary’ status earlier this year following an inspection by a team from the Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR).

The school was praised for its efforts to create a safe, welcoming environment, including designated quiet areas in each classroom and a sanctuary garden developed by pupils.

The award is part of a UK-wide programme that now includes more than 1,200 nurseries, primary and secondary schools, and sixth forms. It recognises schools that actively promote understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and displaced people, and work to build cultures of welcome and compassion.

A special service to mark the occasion took place at St Catwg’s Church on Thursday, May 15, attended by pupils and staff as well as members of the local community.

The event included hymns, prayers written by children, and presentations from each class about the steps they had taken on the journey to becoming a School of Sanctuary.

Also present were pupils and staff from St Mary’s School in Brynmawr, who have already achieved School of Sanctuary status and joined in the celebration.

The service included speeches from Reverend Bevan and Aled Edwards, chair of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and former chair of refugee charity Displaced Persons in Action, who highlighted Wales’ ongoing commitment to becoming a Nation of Sanctuary.

Their addresses were followed by presentations from pupils in each class, who delivered slide shows and talks outlining the work they had done as part of the sanctuary journey. These included learning about the experiences of displaced people, celebrating different cultures, and thinking about how to be kind and welcoming to others.

Years 3 and 4 shared highlights from their trip to Swansea, where they visited a school that had already been awarded School of Sanctuary status. A beach trip was also part of the day, with pupils saying they are particularly excited to welcome the Swansea school for a reciprocal visit in Llangattock.

The service featured musical performances by both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils.

Rowland Jepson and Michael McBaye, representing HBTSR, returned to present the award in person.

Headteacher Mrs Durbin accepted the certificate on behalf of the school and delivered a speech reflecting on the significance of the achievement.

“Becoming a School of Sanctuary is a profound commitment to fostering a culture of welcome, inclusion and safety for all, especially refugees and asylum seekers,” she said.

“It aligns beautifully with the values of compassion and community that we uphold.

“By becoming a School of Sanctuary, we extend this tradition to our learners, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, feels valued and supported.

“For us, as a church school, this journey is deeply connected to faith. The teachings of love, mercy, and hospitality call us to welcome the stranger and care for the vulnerable.”