Seaton School has become the first in Aberdeen to earn the prestigious Reading Schools Gold Accreditation from the Scottish Book Trust.
To mark the occasion, pupils dressed as their favourite book characters and took part in a Golden Book Hunt, a Golden Photoshoot, and a celebratory Golden Award ceremony at the school today (Friday 7 November).
The school progressed through Core (May 2023) and Silver (December 2024) levels before achieving Gold in October 2025 – a recognition of its commitment to placing reading at the heart of learning and fostering a vibrant reading culture.
Councillor Martin Greig, convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, Aberdeen City Council, said: “The pupils at Seaton School are an excellent example of the power and the joy of reading. They are showing us how books can inspire, connect and empower people. The Gold Accreditation is a wonderful result for the school community. I would like to offer everyone involved my very sincere congratulations.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, vice-convener, Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It is wonderful to see Seaton School leading the way in Aberdeen. Their work shows how reading can bring communities together and create joyful learning experiences.”
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Congratulations to Seaton School who have deservedly earned their Reading Schools gold accreditation. To be the first school in Aberdeen to reach this level is a big achievement, and it’s a joy to see the creative ways they have bolstered their reading culture. Staff and pupils should be very proud.”
Vicki Bennett, Head Teacher, Seaton School, said: “We are incredibly proud to be Aberdeen’s first Reading Gold school. This achievement reflects our pupils enthusiasm, our staff creativity, and our community’s support. Reading is at the heart of everything we do and it’s wonderful to see our efforts recognised in such a wonderful way by the Scottish Book Trust.”
Primary Seven (P7) pupils at Seaton School expressed their delight on hearing that the school had achieved Gold Accreditation.
Iris (P7) said: “I’m so happy we’ve achieved the Gold Award. Everyone has worked really hard on our reading projects. I love reading, and I’ve enjoyed helping to make it more fun for everyone.”
Valters (P7) commented: “I’m overjoyed we’ve won the Gold Award. As a pupil librarian, I’ve worked hard to make reading fun across our school and community. It’s been amazing turning Seaton into a place where reading is loved.”
Leah-Rose (P7) added: “I feel really proud that Seaton School has come this far and reached Gold. I remember working towards Core and Silver and I’ve loved creating the Book Fairy Project, starting reading sessions in the community, and welcoming all the visitors who have read to us.”
Seaton School initiatives have included paired reading, an outdoor library, author visits, pupil-led podcasts, and community events like the Reading Café and Stay and Read. The school also launched creative projects such as the Book Fairy scheme and Read While You Wait at the local dentist, and built partnerships with Seaton Community Church and Lord Hay’s Court to promote intergenerational reading.
Players from Aberdeen Football Club’s Youth Team, also visited the school recently to read stories to pupils — an experience that inspired and motivated children to see reading as both enjoyable and aspirational.
The Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that believes everyone living in Scotland should have equal access to books. It works to provide opportunities to improve life chances through books and the fundamental skills of reading and writing.
Photo caption: Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee joins Seaton School Head Teacher Vicki Bennett (left), Literature Teacher Megan Patey (standing), and pupils celebrating their Reading Schools Gold Accreditation by dressing as their favourite book characters.