Gold Rights Respecting School Success

History has been made as Hutchesons’ Grammar Primary School is awarded the UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA).

The award recognises the Schools’ outstanding commitment to children’s rights, to foster a culture of respect, equality and inclusion across the school community.

The RRSA recognises UK schools that embed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of their ethos, policies, and curriculum.

The award is granted in stages: the Primary first earned Bronze in 2020, followed by Silver in 2022. Gold is the highest level of accreditation, signifying how the School prioritises children’s wellbeing in everything it does.

The assessment for the accreditation took place late last year, with an assessor from UNICEF interviewing pupils, staff and parents during an accreditation visit.

Achieving GOLD Rights Respecting means there is evidence that:

• Children and young people’s rights are fully embedded across the life and work of the School.
• Pupils are empowered to understand, claim and uphold their rights.
• Respect for rights shapes relationships, behaviour and decision-making at all levels.
• The school community actively promotes children’s rights locally and globally.

Hutchie RRSA coordinators Miss Struthers and Mrs Lambert,

“The achievement of the Gold award would not have been possible had it not been for the collective commitment of our Primary pupils, teachers and parents. It recognises the everyday work that happens across our school.”

“Working towards the Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award has empowered our pupils to understand their rights and recognise their role as active, responsible citizens. It has encouraged staff and pupils to view the curriculum through a rights-based lens, ensuring learning is relevant, meaningful and connected to the world the children are growing up in. I am proud that the School has been recognised for its daily commitment to promoting pupil voice and upholding children’s rights.”

The assessment for the accreditation took place late last year, with an assessor from UNICEF interviewing pupils, staff and parents during an accreditation visit.

The report noted a culture of mutual respect, inclusivity, and trust, with a strong emphasis on pupil voice, wellbeing, and positive relationships across the school. Pupils demonstrated a clear understanding of their rights.

One child said, “You get your rights when you are born,” while another added, “You don’t have to earn your rights.” Children also showed awareness of global issues, recognising that while rights belong to all, they are not always realised in practice.

The report also stated how rights education is embedded across assemblies and classroom activities. Staff highlighted its impact, noting it “has built the children’s confidence.”  The UNICEF inspector praised pupil voice as a particular strength, observing that students feel “…their views are considered and heard.” Parents added that their children now speak “with passion about defending rights.”

The School fosters a strong sense of belonging and this is evident in the report with one parent sharing it “has given him a sense of belonging and made a massive difference to him,” while another noted, “They truly belong to this community.“Staff explained that when difficulties arise with pupils, they “give them the chance to calm down and then talk to them about their rights and about being respectful to others.”

Pupils spoke confidently about their safety and wellbeing. One, with humour, shared, “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet, if it tells you there are dinosaurs in Glasgow, that is unlikely to be true!” Reflecting on the School’s ethos, a staff member said: “We are looking for things that bring us together.”

Mr Cornfoot, Head of Primary School said:

“Achieving Gold is a testament to our pupils, staff and families. It reflects our unwavering belief that children’s rights must be lived, not just learned. This recognition inspires us to keep growing and leading with compassion.”

“We are committed to nurturing every child so they feel safe, supported and able to thrive. Seeing children flourish emotionally, socially and academically is the greatest reward for our work.”

The Primary School is incredibly proud to have gained this achievement and will continue to put pupils’ rights and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.