UNICEF is the world's leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children's rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school. Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK. As the third and final stage of the Award, Gold recognises that children's rights are fully embedded throughout a school's policy, practice and ethos and are integral to daily life for both pupils and staff.
Linlithgow Academy previously received their Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award certificate in June 2023 and have been working consistently towards Gold since then, strengthening its whole‑school commitment to embedding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) within learning, relationships, leadership and decision‑making.
Following a successful accreditation visit in March 2026, assessors recognised the school's strong rights‑respecting ethos, inclusive culture and meaningful pupil participation, alongside the positive impact on relationships, wellbeing and engagement across the school community.
Members of the pupil group who helped lead and embed the Rights Respecting Schools work said:"We have had real opportunities to share our views and make changes that matter. Learning about our rights has helped us feel more confident, respected and included, and we believe it has made our school a better place for everyone. We are proud that our work has helped Linlithgow Academy achieve Gold."
Drew Hunter, Teacher Lead for Rights Respecting Schools, said: "This award represents years of sustained work and shared commitment across the school. Our young people have been central to shaping decisions, promoting fairness and challenging injustice, while staff have embedded children's rights into everyday practice. Achieving Gold shows how powerful it can be when a school truly listens to its learners."
Grant Abbot, Headteacher of Linlithgow Academy, said: "We are incredibly proud to have achieved the UNICEF UK Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award. This recognition reflects the commitment of our pupils, staff and wider school community to ensuring that children's rights are understood, respected and actively promoted every day. Being a rights respecting school has strengthened relationships, encouraged pupil voice and helped create a safer, more inclusive environment where all young people can thrive."
