Wandsworth schools lead London on listening to students and respecting their priorities

The borough now has 32 schools actively engaged in the programme with an impressive 15 schools accredited at the prestigious Gold level, more than any other London borough.

The award celebrates schools that make children’s rights a daily part of school life, helping every pupil feel included, valued and supported. Across Wandsworth, this means pupils are taking part in decisions about school life and speaking up about the things that matter to them, such as improving playgrounds or caring for the environment. Teachers also help children learn about dignity fairness and respect for one another. As a listening council, we are supportive of voices being heard at every level of public life.

Since September 2024, Wandsworth schools have made strong progress. Eight schools have newly registered for the award, six have achieved Bronze or Silver accreditations, and four have recently achieved or maintained the highest level, Gold, including Burntwood School, Riversdale Primary School and Wandsworth Hospital and Home Tuition Service and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School. UNICEF is working with the borough with the aim of increasing the number of engaged schools to 45 by 2026, representing half of all schools in Wandsworth.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the way Wandsworth schools have embraced this programme.

“Our teachers and pupils are showing what can be achieved when children’s rights are respected and celebrated every day.

“We’re committed to supporting even more schools to join the programme and help make Wandsworth the leading borough for children’s rights in London.”

Martin Russell, Programme Director at RSSA, added: "The achievements in Wandsworth show how powerful it can be when children's rights are placed at the heart of school life. So many schools here are embracing the Rights Respecting ethos and moving through the programme, demonstrating the positive impact a child rights approach can have on school communities.

Thanks to funding from the Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit, all state-funded schools in Wandsworth can take part in the Rights Respecting Schools Award for free until March 2028 and we look forward to continuing to work with even more schools in the borough in the year ahead.''