The academic year closed with a real sense of achievement for Cardiff’s Rights Respecting Schools. In July, Thornhill Primary joined the growing list of Gold-accredited schools, while Cantonian High School, Pen-Y-Bryn Primary, St Cuthbert’s R.C Primary, and Ysgol Gynradd Groes-wen all achieved Silver. All four Silver schools showed strong, promising practice and are clearly on the path to Gold.
Cantonian’s success is particularly significant. It becomes the third high school in Cardiff to achieve Silver — a notable achievement at a time when secondary school progression is a national challenge. This reflects Cardiff’s focused approach to supporting all school phases, including those where uptake has traditionally been slower.
A Look at the Year in Numbers
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104 out of 128 schools (81%) are engaged in the RRSA journey — meaning they’ve achieved Bronze, Silver, or Gold.
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39 schools are currently at Bronze, 36 at Silver, and 29 at Gold.
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Engagement remains strong across primary, secondary, and special schools, with sustained progress through the award levels.
What This Means for Children in Cardiff
Being a Rights Respecting School isn’t just about a badge. It means that children in these schools:
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Know and understand their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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Experience those rights in everyday school life — from safe, respectful relationships to having their voices heard in decisions.
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Grow in confidence, agency, and empathy, becoming active global citizens who take action for themselves and others.
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Learn in schools where policies, teaching, and relationships are rooted in equality, dignity, respect, and non-discrimination.
Cardiff’s progress shows that rights-based education is becoming a core part of school culture across the city. As more schools move towards Silver and Gold, more children are gaining the skills, values, and confidence to shape their own futures — and to stand up for the rights of others in their communities and around the world.