Banchory pupils’ voices recognised in school rights award

Public Services Desk 2026-10-06 13:49 2 min read

Students focused at their desks in a classroom setting

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

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

By UW99 News, based on information from Aberdeenshire Council News.

Gold recognition for children’s rights

The Rights Respecting Schools Award recognises schools that place children’s rights at the centre of their culture. This includes helping young people understand their rights, express their views and influence school life.

Banchory pupils’ voices recognised in school rights award

At Banchory Academy, the recognition covers pupils’ confidence in discussing those rights and explaining their relevance to their own lives. The school was also recognised for trusted ways to raise concerns, its focus on health and wellbeing, and an inclusive environment where young people feel supported and involved.

The accreditation therefore reflects everyday school practices alongside pupils’ knowledge of children’s rights.

Pupil leadership across school life

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 provide further opportunities to influence school life and build confidence as leaders.

Rector Judith Wight credited pupils, staff, parents and partners for 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 said pupils’ leadership and willingness to make a positive difference had been central to the school’s progress through the Rights Respecting programme.

Source: Aberdeenshire Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source information

This report draws on Aberdeenshire Council News, with award details and school practices attributed to the supplied account.

Checks

The supplied source identifies Gold as the programme’s highest recognition.
Previous Bronze and Silver awards are stated in the source.
Examples of pupil participation come from the council report.
The regional distinction is attributed to the council rather than independently verified.

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