Banchory pupils’ voices earn top children’s rights recognition

Public Services Desk 2026-10-06 13:53 2 min read

Students sitting at desks in a modern classroom setting listening to their teacher.

Banchory Academy has achieved Gold status in UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Award, the programme’s highest level of recognition. The award recognises how the school embeds children’s rights in everyday learning, relationships and decisions.

According to Aberdeenshire Council News, it is currently the only secondary school in the north east holding this level of award. The achievement follows the academy’s earlier Bronze and Silver awards.

By Rare Content editorial team, based on information supplied by Aberdeenshire Council News.

Gold recognition for rights across school life

The Rights Respecting Schools Award recognises schools that put children’s rights at the centre of their culture. At Banchory Academy, that includes helping pupils understand their rights, express their views and influence school life.

Banchory pupils’ voices earn top children’s rights recognition

The recognition covers more than pupils’ knowledge of the subject. The school was particularly recognised for young people’s confidence in discussing rights and their relevance to their own lives, alongside trusted ways to raise concerns.

A strong focus on health and wellbeing, and a caring, inclusive environment where pupils feel supported and involved, also formed part of the recognition.

Pupil leadership and opportunities to be heard

During Universal Support time, pupils regularly explore themes connected to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Young people increasingly lead discussions about issues that matter to them.

Pupil leadership groups, house assemblies, Rightsfest and community activities give pupils opportunities to shape school life and build confidence as leaders. These existing practices underpin the award.

Rector Judith Wight credited pupils, staff, parents and partners with the achievement. She said the school aims to ensure every young person feels valued, heard and supported, guided by its values of consideration, opportunity, responsibility and excellence.

Wight also highlighted pupils’ leadership and willingness to make a positive difference as central to the academy’s progress through the programme.

Source: Aberdeenshire Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source information

The article draws on the supplied Aberdeenshire Council News report and attributes its regional award claim to that source.

Checks

The supplied report identifies Gold as the programme’s highest recognition.
The school’s earlier Bronze and Silver awards are stated in the source.
Examples of pupil participation and the areas recognised are drawn from the supplied text.
The claim about north east secondary schools is attributed to the council report.

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