UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools: Gold Re-accreditation

Watson’s have been awarded the Rights Respecting School Award at Gold level, following a recent re-accreditation.

As a school, we started working towards the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award in October 2014, with our Recognition of Commitment in the Junior School.  In November 2016, the Junior School was ranked at a Level 2 Gold status, following which, the whole school was re-accredited at Gold, approximately three years later. This meant that Watson’s became one of the first independent schools in the country to be fully accredited as a Gold Rights Respecting School. In May this year, the school was re-accredited with Gold for the third time and our Rights Respecting Schools Group, led by pupils, continues to be active in promoting children’s rights, both in school and as part of our wider initiatives.

Children’s Rights are embedded across the school’s policy, practice and ethos. The pupil voice remains strong with our young people being encouraged to join a wide range of participation and action groups across the campus, from Amnesty International to our Rising Tide cohort (a feminist discussion group). 

Our Principal, Melvyn Roffe, Head of Senior School, Gordon Boyd and Head of Junior School, George Salmond explained what the re-accreditation means to them as key members of the leadership team:

Melvyn Roffe: We are delighted to have been confirmed as a Gold Rights Respecting School following a rigorous process of accreditation. Being a Rights Respecting School has had a positive impact on everything we do and has helped Watson's to become an even better place to go to school.

Gordon Boyd: Our reaccreditation confirms that our work with pupils is based on strong and mutually respectful relationships. Recognition of and respect for children's rights lies at the heart of this.

George Salmond: I am thrilled that we continue to be recognised by UNICEF as a gold accredited Rights Respecting School. It says a lot about the wonderful work done by all members of the Watson's community to maintain such a happy, safe and inspiring school. 

At Watson’s, everything we do is linked to our rights as global citizens. We see this in our values, the school vision, lessons, assemblies and wider school initiatives. A huge well done to our Junior and Senior School teams, and the pupils and staff who continually help to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion amongst the Watson’s community.