Uplands Junior School in Wolverhampton has retained Gold status from UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme, the highest level awarded under the scheme.
The school was recognised for continuing to place children’s rights at the centre of its planning, policies and daily practice. Staff and pupils are marking the renewed accreditation after UNICEF UK assessed how rights and respect are embedded across school life.
UNICEF UK’s highest school rights standard
The Rights Respecting Schools Award is given to schools that show a sustained commitment to promoting children’s rights and encouraging pupils and adults to respect the rights of others.
Gold is the programme’s top accolade. It reflects a deep and consistent approach to children’s rights across leadership, classroom culture, relationships and pupil voice.
Uplands Junior School is one of around 600 schools across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to have reached the Gold standard.
Uplands pupils praised in assessment
UNICEF’s report described Uplands pupils as “very articulate children” who demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of rights and are confident discussing the concept of rights.
The assessment also found that children’s rights continue to be embedded across the school and underpin every facet of school life.
Headteacher Suzanne Webster-Smith said the school had worked with UNICEF for a number of years and was pleased to sustain its Gold assessment. She said the outcome reflected the emphasis on rights and respect that underpins the school’s work.
Council recognition for pupils and staff
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said schools in the programme work towards recognition that children’s and young people’s rights are embedded in their practice and ethos.
She said Uplands had worked hard to retain the accreditation and congratulated pupils and staff on the achievement.
Source: City of Wolverhampton Council
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This brief is based on the City of Wolverhampton Council release dated 2 June 2026 and keeps the award details, names and roles tied to that source.
- Confirmed Uplands Junior School as the school named in the release.
- Checked that Gold is described as UNICEF UK’s highest Rights Respecting School accolade.
- Matched quoted roles for Suzanne Webster-Smith and Councillor Jacqui Coogan.
- Kept the geographic scope to Wolverhampton rather than the publisher name.
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- City of Wolverhampton Council
- Scope
- Wolverhampton
- Updated
- 2026-06-03 22:21
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