Sacred Heart Primary School in Tipton was filled with golden joy last week, as pupils and staff came together to celebrate their achievement of the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award.
The award is a recognition of the school’s commitment to children’s rights and wellbeing. They are the first primary school in Sandwell to receive such an award.
The day was all about the children. Dressed in gold to mark the occasion, pupils led the celebration with music, creativity, and pride in their journey to becoming a rights-respecting school. From classroom activities to a whole-school assembly, the event showcased how children at Sacred Heart are empowered to speak up, support one another, and shape their school community.
Attended by the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Steve Melia, and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Councillor Jalal Uddin, the school held a special banner reveal to mark the Gold Award as well as organising a whole school assembly, where children performed music and shared what the award means to them.
Sandwell’s Cabinet Member for Children and families, Councillor Jalal Uddin said: “You are showing us what a child-friendly Sandwell looks like - where every child feels safe, respected and heard. Your work is inspiring, and it’s clear that Sacred Heart is a place where children lead with kindness and confidence.”
Headteacher Ms Joy Agbonlahor said: “This day belongs to our children. Their voices, ideas and compassion have shaped Sacred Heart into a school where rights are lived every day. The Gold Award is a reflection of their dedication to building a kind, inclusive and respectful community - and today we celebrate that with pride.”
Following the assembly which featured a performance from RockSteady Music School, children returned to their classrooms to continue their celebrations, while the Mayor and Cabinet Member visited several classes to see the creative ways pupils had marked their Gold Award day - from artwork and storytelling to rights-based learning activities.
The event was a powerful reminder of the impact of child-led education and the importance of recognising children not just as learners, but as leaders in their own right.