A Hampshire school has been awarded a prestigious accolade for the third time in a row.

Wildern School in Hedge End has been awarded gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme.

The Rights Respecting Schools Award is given to schools that show a commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights.

Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK and shows a deep commitment to children's rights at all levels of school life.

There are more than 600 schools across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales that have received gold.

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The school has been given the prestigious Gold Award by UNICEF UK for the third time (Image: Wildern School) Headteacher Ceri Oakley said: "We are so very proud of this achievement; to be awarded the gold award three consecutive times in a row is incredible.

"This is a remarkable achievement that reflects our unwavering commitment to putting children's rights at the heart of everything we do.

"It speaks to the dedication of our entire school community, students, staff and parents alike who have embraced the principles of the Rights Respecting School Award and worked together to create a positive, inclusive and respectful environment.

"The Gold award underscores the importance of centring children's rights in our educational approach, ensuring that every decision we make reflects our commitment to their wellbeing, voices and development.

"We are excited to continue building on this success, and we look forward to the ongoing positive impact this will have on our school community."

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The award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice.

A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.

UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools programme director, Martin Russell, said: "Children at Wildern School understand and are strongly committed to children’s rights.

"They are listened to, participate fully in school life and have a strong understanding of the wider world. It is clear that the school’s Rights Respecting work has created a positive and empowering learning environment for all and we are very pleased to award them gold: Rights Respecting."

The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools initiative is aimed at schools across the UK, including those in an early years setting.

Wildern School is part of Newsquest’s Young Reporter Scheme and their pupils regularly contribute to our website. For more go to hampshirechronicle.co.uk/young-reporter.