STUDENTS at Hautlieu School have been praised by their headteacher after the school secured reaccreditation with a prestigious Silver award from UNICEF UK.
The Silver Rights Respecting School Award recognises schools that demonstrate strong processes in embedding the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into their ethos and curriculum.
Inspectors highlighted the school’s inclusive culture noting that students feel respected, empowered and actively involved in school life.
Pupils were commended for engaging in meaningful rights-based advocacy both locally and globally, while the school was recognised for celebrating linguistic diversity, building international links and strengthening pupil voice.
A student-led campaign tackling violence against women and girls was singled out as an example of young people taking the lead on issues that matter to them.
Headteacher Kate Blackhall described the reaccreditation as a proud moment for the whole school community.
She said: “This award recognises the dedication, compassion and hard work of our students, staff, and wider school community in living out our shared values of respect, fairness, and equality every day whilst striving to aim for the highest at all times.
“The rights of young people underpin everything we do, from teaching and learning to behaviour, wellbeing and student voice.”
The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools programme supports schools across the UK and the Channel Islands.
The initiative aims to place children’s rights at the heart of school life, creating environments where pupils are listened to, respected and supported to thrive.
Schools taking part in the programme report improvements in behaviour, relationships and wellbeing, as well as increased self-esteem among pupils, contributing to reduced bullying and absenteeism and stronger engagement with learning.
