Birmingham Perry Barr MP Ayoub Khan visits CORE Arena Academy
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CORE Hello works across the four CORE Education Trust schools across Birmingham, including Arena Academy, and helps students who have recently arrived in the UK, including those in the asylum system.
Accompanied by Barbara Forbes, Secretary of Schools of Sanctuary, Mr Khan toured the facilities, met with CORE Hello and UNICEF student ambassadors, and learned about the school’s efforts to uphold and promote the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
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Hide AdThe visit showcased Arena Academy’s journey towards becoming a recognised School of Sanctuary, a prestigious status awarded to schools that create welcoming spaces for asylum-seeking and refugee children.

This initiative is supported by both CORE Hello and UNICEF and demonstrates the school’s dedication to inclusion, safety, and rights education.
Students from the UNICEF Ambassadors group, comprising representatives from Years 7 to 11, presented their ongoing work to Mr Khan. This dedicated group meets regularly to ensure the CRC underpins the school’s values and decision-making, helping the whole school community to respect and understand the rights of others.
During the visit, Mr Khan was also asked about his plans to ensure Perry Barr remains a safe and supportive community, particularly for children in the asylum system, many of whom are housed in hotels.
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Hide AdRaj Man, headteacher at CORE Arena Academy, expressed his enthusiasm about the event:
“This visit was a fantastic opportunity to show MP Khan the important work we’re doing to support children’s rights and promote inclusivity.
“Our partnerships with Schools of Sanctuary and UNICEF are integral to our mission, and it was wonderful for our ambassadors to share their progress and aspirations with such an engaged audience.”
Barbara Forbes from Schools of Sanctuary commended Arena Academy’s efforts, noting that initiatives like this set a powerful example for other schools aiming to provide safe and welcoming environments for all children.
Ayoub Khan MP commented:
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Hide Ad"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the staff for their dedication and to the students for their relentless hard work in shaping a strong future generation of advocates."
Emily Preece, Director of the CORE Hello programme, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Khan to find out more about the CORE Hello programme. Our provision helps recent arrivals to the UK integrate and learn more about their new home, and the initiatives at Arena Academy will only help support us in our efforts further. ”