As the world comes together to recognise World Refugee Day on the 20th of June, Cranbrook Education Campus, (CEC) has marked the occasion with a powerful message of compassion, community, and inclusion, led by its pupils, staff, and wider school community.

World Refugee Day, created by the United Nations, honours the strength and courage of refugees worldwide. Celebrated annually since 2001, the day raises awareness of refugees’ rights, needs, and dreams, helping mobilise support so they can not only survive but thrive.

At CEC, this year’s tribute came in the form of a moving performance by the school choir of the song "Chosen Family", which they debuted at the CEC’s Awards Evening. The song celebrates the school’s core value of inclusive kindness and resonates deeply with the stories and resilience of the many pupils and families seeking asylum within the school community.

Over the past year, CEC has extended its outreach and enrichment work for refugee families and those seeking asylum, building partnerships with local churches, businesses, and volunteers.These partnerships have helped provide:

• Fully funded enrichment trips for all Year 6 to Year 10 asylum-seeking pupils, including a two-night residential experience for Year 6.
   
• Over 200 winter coats and other clothing essentials distributed to those in need.
   
• 120 Christmas gift boxes and a Christmas shop where pupils could choose and wrap presents for their loved ones.
   
• £1,000 raised to support pupils with essential needs like prom outfits and school activity fees.
   
• Homework clubs, cookery classes, and English language support, with help from volunteers and native speakers.
   
• Hotel-based parents’ evenings, safeguarding visits, and transition support for families moving to or from the area.
   
• Participation in external community events like the Exeter Respect Festival and Honiton FSA Art Exhibition.

As schools around the world join in events to mark World Refugee Day, Cranbrook Education Campus, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, stands proudly among them, a beacon of what is possible when education and compassion go hand in hand.

Stephen Farmer, Head of Campus at Cranbrook Education Campus said:

“At Cranbrook Education Campus, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, welcome and supported, regardless of their background or journey. Our ‘Chosen Family’ performance was a heartfelt reminder that inclusion is more than just a buzzword, it’s a core part of who we are and how we operate at CEC.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“World Refugee Day is a vital reminder of our shared responsibility to welcome, support and stand with asylum seekers and refugees. The work happening at Cranbrook is not only inspiring, it's transformative. They are showing what it means to lead with heart, vision, and genuine community care.”