A UNITED Nations award has been made to a school in Wellington for its work in embedding the rights of children is all aspects of academic life.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) respecting schools silver award went to Court Fields School.

The prestigious award marks an important milestone for the school, recognising its dedication to placing children’s rights at the heart of its ethos and daily practice.

Headteacher Polly Matthews said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the award.

“This achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of our entire school community in making children’s rights central to everything we do.

“We believe in empowering our students to understand their rights while respecting those of others, helping them to grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals.

More Wellington area pupils with special needs will be educated locally under plans for two news units in Court Fields School.
Wellington’s Court Fields School has received a prestigious United Nations award. (Tindle News)

“This award is not only a celebration of our progress, but also a commitment to continuing to build a positive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive.”

Ms Matthews said the award reflected a ‘whole-school commitment’ to embedding the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child across every aspect of school life.

She said Court Fields had worked collaboratively as a community, staff and students together, to ensure that rights were understood, respected, and actively upheld.

By integrating the principles into teaching and learning, behaviour expectations, and decision-making processes, the school had empowered pupils to develop a strong understanding of their own rights, alongside a deep respect for the rights of others.

Ms Mathews said: “This approach has helped cultivate a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every student feels valued and supported.

“As a result, pupils at Court Fields have developed increased confidence, improved wellbeing, and a stronger sense of responsibility as active global citizens.

“The school community has also placed a clear emphasis on promoting equality, dignity, and respect, ensuring that every voice is heard and recognised.”