Millbay Academy Becomes Plymouth’s First Secondary School to Achieve School of Sanctuary Status

Millbay Academy is proud to announce that it has officially been awarded School of Sanctuary status, becoming the first and only secondary school in Plymouth to receive this prestigious national recognition.

This award is a powerful testament to Millbay Academy’s unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students—particularly those from refugee, asylum-seeking, and migrant backgrounds. At the heart of the school’s ethos is a deep sense of belonging, compassion, and community spirit, values that are now nationally recognised through this accreditation.

Matthew Bisco, Senior Deputy Headteacher at Millbay Academy, shared his thoughts on the achievement:

“Millbay Academy is incredibly proud to be recognised for our continuous work in this area. The School of Sanctuary values are those we live and breathe, and fully align with those held across Reach South Academy Trust. I hope that this accreditation gives further confidence to our city's refugee, asylum seeker and migrant families, demonstrating our commitment to them, and recognising the gift of having such a rich and diverse set of lived experiences within our community. Congratulations and full gratitude to all the staff, students and parents who are so committed and learn so much from this work together.”

The School of Sanctuary award is part of a national network that celebrates schools that go above and beyond to support young people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Millbay Academy’s recognition highlights the school’s dedication to equity, empathy, and education that empowers every student to thrive.

In the video below, we hear directly from some of the incredible students about what this means to them and why Millbay truly is a School of Sanctuary.