MOST of North Ayrshire's secondary schools have now received LGBT Scotland’s school charter status – with a number of others working towards their accreditation.

Eight North Ayrshire secondary schools have now either achiever or are on their journey to achieving their LGBT charter for education, according to North Ayrshire Council (NAC).

Garnock Community Campus has the highest accolade with a gold level accreditation, with the local authority's youth services team achieving a silver award.

Arran High School, Irvine Royal Academy, Greenwood, Kilwinning and Ardrossan Academies all currently hold the bronze accreditation.

Work is ongoing, with Irvine Royal aiming for gold, Kilwinning working to progress to silver, and Auchenharvie and Largs looking to secure bronze accreditation in the next school year.

Councillor Chloe Robertson, NAC's young people’s champion, has hailed the number of schools now accredited under the charter.

She said: “As a member of the LGBT community, I understand the prejudice that some of our young people can face.

“It’s a sign of progress that the majority of North Ayrshire’s secondary schools are engaged in a charter programme designed to support inclusivity and the experiences of LGBTQ+ staff and pupils.

There are four LGBT charter award levels offered – foundation, bronze, silver and gold – with accreditation taking between 12 and 18 months.

More information on the charter can be found at www.lgbtyouth.org.uk.