Achieving full potential

Secondary schools help refugee pupils develop, succeed and contribute to the community. Some schools ensure refugee pupils achieve their potential in a variety of ways.

In building on the knowledge and skills refugee pupils bring, schools enable them to experience success and establish a sense of belonging to their school community. This assists their integration.

Through a commitment to meeting the needs of all pupils schools act on their duty to ensure that all groups of children achieve, including refugees. School staff will find information about their duties under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and the National Curriculum for England on the QCA Pathways to learning for new arrivals website.

By supporting language and learning, schools ensure refugee pupils learn to communicate effectively in English, and acquire the skills and qualifications they need to gain employment or to access further and higher education.

By developing a more personalised and flexible 14-19 curriculum, secondary schools are increasing the range of learning opportunities open to young refugees.

Going to school, making friends and developing a sense of belonging all support refugee pupils’ positive coping and resilience after their difficult experiences. Schools are promoting emotional well-being through curriculum activities, projects and pastoral care.

By encouraging refugee parents to play an active part in the education of their children, schools and pupils will benefit from their talents and skills. Parental involvement and family learning initiatives in school can also provide real opportunities for refugee parents to acquire important skills that will assist their integration as well as that of their children.

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