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Irvine Royal receives national inclusivity recognition
Irvine Royal Academy has become the first school in North Ayrshire and latest secondary school in Scotland to have achieved the prestigious LGBT Youth Scotland Charter of Education Gold Award.
A national award, the LGBT Youth Scotland Charter of Education Gold Award accreditation - awarded by Glasgow based charity, LGBT Youth Scotland - recognises schools that go above and beyond the basic requirements to support LGBT pupils, staff, parents and carers.
Being accredited enables schools to share a positive message championing the LGBT community with confidence, where all LGBTQ+ staff, parents and learners can be safe, supported and included.
As part of the important work, over the past year, Irvine Royal pupils and the colleagues supporting them have:
- Hosted a weekly Pride Group drop-in every Tuesday for LGBT pupils and allies
- Created their own LGBT inclusion board in the main foyer of the school
- Hosted a Pride Month celebration with film screening of Heartstopper film
- Introduced more diverse book titles in the school library
- Ran a drop-in session during LGBT History Month 2025 to celebrate queer icons
- Enjoyed a picnic outing and scavenger hunt at McGavin Park in Kilwinning in partnership with Kilwinning Academy’s Equalities group
- Helped to promote and be involved in weekly wellbeing walking sessions
- Worked closely with the school’s leadership team and pupil voice ambassadors to develop initiatives to support pupils who may be self-conscious or finding it difficult to be themselves in school
Young People’s Champion, Councillor Chloe Robertson shares: “I am delighted that Irvine Royal Academy has received this worthy recognition, and it is encouraging to learn that so many other schools from across our six localities are working towards the next level of their own awards too. The pupils are really proud to be part of the impactful action and they are a true inspiration and exceptional role models for their peers and the wider LGBT community.”
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, added: “As a child and youth-centred council, we are committed to doing our very best for every pupil to build a fairer, more equal North Ayrshire.
“The council understands that many young LGBT people can often experience a sense of isolation and unfortunately can face many barriers in life including feeling discriminated against or being socially disconnected from their peers. This is where the LGBT Charter comes in, it is just one of many ways we are working together with schools to safeguard young people with protected characteristics so that they can become confident learners and empowered citizens. Irvine Royal Academy is a shining example of this important work, congratulations to them for their gold accreditation.”
Quote: On behalf of our pupils, the leadership team and our extended school community, I am delighted to share my pride and thanks to everyone involved in our LGBT Gold Charter journey. Led by our Area Inclusion Worker Hollie, the work of our Pride Group and LGBT network is at the forefront of championing inclusion and encouraging pupils to attend and stay in school. To be the first school in North Ayrshire to achieve Gold LGBT Charter status is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. I am immensely proud of you all and our pupils and the colleagues supporting them should be proud too. What a tremendous achievement! Thank you!
Quote from: Linzie Sloan, Headteacher at Irvine Royal Academy
Young people involved in the Irvine Royal Pride Group said:
- “I really feel like I can be myself and I know where I can turn to for support.”
- “I am proud to be part of a school that celebrates my muchness and gives me safe spaces to express myself and make my voice heard.”
- “Although I am not queer, I feel like I have the strategies and knowledge now to help my friends who are if they are struggling so that they know they are not alone.”
- “The weekly group has made such a difference to my wellbeing.”
Six North Ayrshire secondary schools have now either achieved or are on their journey to achieving their next level LGBT Charter for Education accreditation. Irvine Royal Academy now has Gold. Greenwood Academy and the North Ayrshire Youth Services team follow closely behind, holding Silver Level.
Although not a school – North Ayrshire Youth Work is part of the council’s Community Learning and Development team and should still be recognised equally for their accomplishments to achieve the Silver Level.
Then, Arran High School, Garnock Community Campus, Largs, Kilwinning and Auchenharvie Academies who currently hold Bronze, are the schools working hard to level-up to Silver accreditation in 2026.
If you want to access LGBT support near you, email: youthwork@north-ayrshire.gov.uk and stay tuned for more news updates via North Ayrshire Youth Services on Facebook.
Published: 19 December 2025