The award is the highest accolade in UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools programme. 

It reflects years of dedicated work by staff and pupils to create a culture where children’s rights are understood, respected, and championed. 

Louisa McGraw, Head Teacher at Our Lady’s said: "We are incredibly proud of this award. It represents the hard work and passion of our pupils and staff in building a community where respect and equality are lived values. Achieving Gold is not the end of the journey—it’s a promise to keep children’s rights at the heart of everything we do."

From promoting pupil voice to supporting global citizenship and humanitarian initiatives, the school has made rights education a cornerstone of its approach.

Provost Kenneth Duffy praised the school’s efforts: "This is a fantastic accomplishment for Our Lady’s High School and for North Lanarkshire. The Gold status demonstrates how empowering young people through rights education can transform communities. Congratulations to everyone involved."

This award recognises the school’s outstanding commitment to embedding the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into its ethos, policies, and daily practice.

Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families, added: "Embedding children’s rights into school life is about more than an award—it’s about shaping confident, responsible citizens. Our Lady’s High School has set a shining example for others to follow."

The school began its Rights Respecting journey in 2017 and is part of a select group of Scottish schools that have reached Gold status.

A senior pupil, Riley Mimnaugh, shared their perspective: "Being part of a Rights Respecting School means our voices matter. We’ve learned that we all have rights, but also responsibilities to respect others. It’s made our school a better place for everyone."