Rights Respecting School

A Rights Respecting School is a place where children’s rights, as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), are at the heart of everything we do. This approach helps create a safe, inspiring environment where every child is respected, listened to, and able to thrive. It also encourages pupils to become responsible, active citizens who understand the importance of fairness and equality.

The programme is run by UNICEF UK, the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. UNICEF works in over 190 countries to ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare, and protection. By taking part in the Rights Respecting Schools Award, we are joining a global movement to make children’s rights a reality in everyday school life.

Our Journey So Far

We are proud to share that in December 2025, our school achieved the Bronze Rights Respecting School Award, accredited by UNICEF UK. This award recognises our commitment to placing children’s rights at the heart of our ethos and culture, ensuring that every child feels respected, valued, and heard.

To achieve this, we have taken part in a range of exciting and meaningful activities:

• Heartland FM Radio Podcast
  Our pupils created and broadcast a special podcast on Heartland FM, discussing Human Rights Day and why children’s rights matter. This gave pupils a real platform to share their voices with the wider community – Listen Here
• World Children’s Day Celebrations
  We celebrated World Children’s Day across both Primary and Secondary. Our S6 pupils took the lead, planning and delivering a series of engaging activities linked to children’s rights for the entire primary school. This was a fantastic example of pupil leadership and collaboration across stages.
• Pupil Rights Committee
  We have established a Rights Respecting Pupil Committee with representatives from both Primary and Secondary. This group meets regularly to share ideas, plan events, and ensure that children’s voices are central to our school’s decision-making.

What’s Next?

Our journey doesn’t stop here! We are now working towards achieving the Silver Rights Respecting School Award. This next stage focuses on embedding children’s rights more deeply into our daily practice, curriculum, and decision-making. We will continue to:

• Develop class charters that reflect the UNCRC.
• Increase opportunities for pupil voice and leadership.
• Strengthen links with our local community to promote children’s rights beyond the school gates.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. Together, we are building a school community where rights are respected and celebrated every day.