Banchory pupils’ voices recognised with top rights award

Public Services Desk 2026-10-06 13:59 2 min read

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By demoduck.co.uk editorial team

Banchory Academy has achieved Gold status in UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Award, the programme’s highest level of recognition, Aberdeenshire Council News reports.

The award follows the school’s Bronze and Silver achievements and recognises how children’s rights are embedded in everyday school life. According to the council, Banchory Academy is currently the only secondary school in the north east holding this level of award.

Children’s rights across school life

The programme recognises schools that place children’s rights at the centre of their culture, relationships and decision-making. At Banchory Academy, that includes opportunities for pupils to understand their rights, raise concerns and influence school life.

Banchory pupils’ voices recognised with top rights award

During Universal Support time, pupils regularly explore themes linked 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 also give pupils opportunities to contribute and develop confidence as leaders. Related coverage of children’s rights at Uplands Junior School describes the same accreditation programme in Wolverhampton.

Pupil confidence and trusted support

The school was recognised for pupils’ confidence in discussing children’s rights and explaining their relevance to their own lives. The assessment also recognised trusted ways to raise concerns, a strong focus on health and wellbeing, and a caring, inclusive ethos.

Rector Judith Wight credited pupils, staff, parents and partners for the achievement. She said the school’s values of consideration, opportunity, responsibility and excellence underpin its approach.

“I am immensely proud of our young people, whose leadership and willingness to make a positive difference have been central to our Rights Respecting journey,” she said.

Source: Aberdeenshire Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source information

The article draws on Aberdeenshire Council News, with award details and school activities checked against the supplied source text.

Checks

The source identifies Gold as the programme’s highest recognition.
The source records previous Bronze and Silver awards.
The pupil activities and assessment findings come from the council report.
The regional distinction is attributed to the council and retains its current-time qualifi...

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