International Cross of Nails Schools (ICONS) is a growing network of schools around the world that have recognised the opportunity for introducing principles of peace, forgiveness, conflict transformation and reconciliation into their school communities.

In October 2019, Coventry Cathedral celebrated its 50th ICON School joining the network, adding to the 17 international, 8 national and 24 local schools that were already part of the ICONS network. We have ICONS in Germany, Northern Ireland, Austria, Netherlands, South Africa, Israel/Palestine, USA and Hong Kong, as well as our many partner schools in Coventry and Warwickshire.

In joining the ICONS network, schools also become partners with the Community of the Cross of Nails (CCN) and are welcomed into an even wider family of churches, organisations and schools all working towards peace and reconciliation in their respective communities.

ICONS embrace the 3 themes of the CCN:

• Healing the Wounds of History
• Living with Difference and Celebrating Diversity
• Building a Culture of Peace

These 3 themes are worked out differently in each ICON School, depending on the school’s context. For some schools this includes use of restorative practices, lessons on peace-building and reconciliation, use of art and picture books to develop skills such as empathy and forgiveness, and pupil-driven projects to build bridges with the local community.

Each school is different and contributes to peace and reconciliation in unique ways. Therefore, each application is different and creative. The common, unifying factor is that each school has embedded reconciliation so that it impacts on all areas of school life; curriculum, policies, planning, extra-curricular activities, discipline, playground life and even in the staff room! ICON Schools also have meaningful links with their local community and Coventry Cathedral. Some have twinned with international partners too.

Applications are welcomed from Diocesan and Community schools alike, and from primary, secondary and special schools. For more information please contact icons@coventrycathedral.org.uk

If you would like to make a donation to support the work of ICONS please click here to go to our donations page and highlight ICONS when completing the donation forms.

A link to a list of ICON Schools can be found here.