Banchory pupils’ rights work earns highest recognition

Politics Desk 2026-10-06 14:04 2 min read

Digital student dashboard interface showing quick access tools and upcoming academic deadline alerts.

Banchory Academy has achieved Gold status in UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Award, the programme’s highest level of recognition, following its previous Bronze and Silver awards.

According to Aberdeenshire Council, it is currently the only secondary school in the north east holding this level of award.

By beehiveweb.co.uk editorial staff, based on an Aberdeenshire Council News announcement.

Children’s rights across school life

The award recognises schools that put children’s rights at the centre of their culture, relationships and decisions. At Banchory Academy, that includes helping pupils understand their rights, raise concerns and influence school life.

Universal Support time gives young people regular opportunities to explore themes connected to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Pupils increasingly lead discussions about issues that matter to them.

Pupil leadership groups, house assemblies, Rightsfest and community activities also provide opportunities to contribute and develop leadership confidence. The recognition therefore covers everyday relationships and pupil participation, alongside understanding of children’s rights.

Banchory pupils’ rights work earns highest recognition

The programme also recognises this work elsewhere, including at Uplands Junior School in Wolverhampton, which has retained Gold status.

Pupil confidence and wellbeing recognised

The council’s account highlights pupils’ confidence in discussing rights and their relevance to their lives. It also identifies trusted ways to raise concerns, a strong focus on health and wellbeing, and a caring, inclusive school environment.

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 details

The report follows the supplied Aberdeenshire Council account and attributes its regional award claim to the council.

Checks

The supplied announcement identifies Gold as the programme’s highest recognition.
The school’s previous Bronze and Silver awards are stated in the source.
Pupil participation and wellbeing examples come from the supplied account.
The regional distinction is attributed to the council rather than presented as independent...

Aberdeenshire Council News Search for independent coverage