Gavinburn Primary School awarded UNICEF Rights Respecting School
Published 11 September 2026
Pupils at Gavinburn Primary School are celebrating after receiving the silver award for being a Rights Respecting School.
The Rights Respecting Schools status is awarded 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.
The award also recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice.
The award reflects an incredible year-long effort throughout the 2025/26 academic session, driven by the dedication of pupils, staff, parents, and carers. Together, the school community has worked tirelessly to embed children's rights into everyday life, fostering an inclusive ethos where diversity is valued, every voice is heard, and all pupils are supported to access their education.
The school was praised for promoting the four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting School - wellbeing and health, participation, relationships and self-esteem - healthier, happier children who feel safe and empowered; show mutual respect to their peers and the wider school community; have improved relationships and are active and involved in school life and have an awareness of their own rights and the rights of others.
The school was also praised for integrating UNCRC articles into learning and teaching through classroom lessons, pupil leadership groups, and assemblies. Additionally, class and school charters were developed to promote a shared understanding of respect and fairness. This rights-based approach has empowered young people, giving them meaningful opportunities to express their views and directly influence aspects of school life.
Convener of Educational Services, Councillor Michelle McGinty, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Gavinburn Primary for their hard work and efforts to achieve this important award. It is clear the teachers, support staff, pupils and their parents and carers are extremely committed to the education, health and wellbeing of all our young people and I want to thank them for their help in supporting the school to achieve the Silver Award.”
Vice Convener of Educational Services, Councillor John Millar, said: “I am delighted that Gavinburn Primary has been recognised for their hard work by receiving this Silver Award. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment which is testament to the dedicated teachers, support staff and our families who encourage our young people to lead wholesome and fulfilling lives both within and outwith school.”