Cardiff is leading the way in nurturing the next generation of confident, community-focused citizens. A major milestone has been reached, with 50% of the city’s schools now officially recognised as Rights Respecting Schools by UNICEF UK. This incredible achievement reflects a city-wide commitment to embedding children’s rights into the very fabric of school life. It means that in a significant number of our schools, pupils are actively participating in decisions that affect them, leading to a culture of fairness, respect and dignity.
Currently, one in four Cardiff schools has attained the prestigious Gold status, while another quarter have reached Silver. This accomplishment signifies that in half of the city’s schools, children don’t just learn about their rights they live them daily. The Rights Respecting Schools initiative encourages a holistic approach where pupils understand and exercise their rights to be safe, treated equally and have their voices heard. This active participation leads to tangible change within the school environment.
In 2025, two notable secondary schools, Cantonian High School and Bishop of Llandaff High School, joined 15 primary schools in advancing to the next stage of their Rights Respecting Schools journey.
In a Rights Respecting School, the principles of respect and dignity are foundational. Pupils actively participate in decisions that affect them, seeing their views lead to real change. Simultaneously, staff members embrace their role as duty bearers, ensuring that every policy, decision and interaction cultivates a culture of mutual respect.
According to Cllr Sarah Merry, Cardiff Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, this achievement highlights the “incredible dedication of Cardiff’s schools.” She notes that the impact is evident “pupils speaking confidently, bullying is reduced and relationships are built on mutual respect.” The program empowers children to learn in an atmosphere of fairness and safety where diversity is celebrated, preparing them to “make a difference both locally and globally.”
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