Welcome Back! I hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating Easter break. Whether you spent the time with family and friends, time travelling, enjoying the spring air and sunshine, or simply catching up on much-needed rest, it is wonderful to see our school corridors and classrooms buzzing with energy once again. As we commence the summer term and start the final stretch of this academic year, our focus naturally shifts toward examinations, key transitions, and finishing strong. However, in a world that often feels increasingly fragmented, I believe our most important work remains the cultivation of a supportive, inclusive community where every individual can thrive.    More in Common This June, our schools will be proudly participating in The Great Get Together 2026. Inspired by the late Jo Cox’s belief that we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us, these events are a cornerstone of our calendar.   In an era where headlines frequently highlight our differences, the Great Get Together serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. Within our schools, we see this truth every day: in the way our learners collaborate, the way our staff supports one another, and the way you, our parents/carers and partners, engage positively with us.   Save the Date: June 2026   We have a fantastic line up of events planned across our Trust family of schools this June, including:   The "Big Conversation" Assemblies: Learner-led sessions celebrating our diverse heritages. Community Connection Projects: Working together to give back to our local areas and support local charities. The Batley Bake Off: Our annual event held at Upper Batley High School which gets bigger and better, year-on-year. The Run for Jo at Oakwell Hall: Bringing the whole community together for a run or walk and family fun day. Step Into The Future: Where our year 6 and 7 learners all come together to meet new people and make new connections.   Specific dates and times for your individual school's events will be shared in the coming weeks.   "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us."   Let’s carry this sentiment with us throughout the summer term. Thank you for being part of a community that chooses connection over division.   Welcome back, everyone. Let’s make this final term our best one yet.

We have so much to celebrate across our Trust family of schools this week. Myself and Rajinder, our brilliant Trust SEND and Safeguarding Lead were asked by Optimum Education to speak at a national conference in Manchester last week to share the great work being undertaken across our Trust family of schools on ensuring we always deliver a first-class education for all learners, including those with SEND.    Field Lane held their first ever Iftar event and the school hall was absolutely packed with family and friends of the school. The children were excellent, and very confident in delivering superb performances; our learners in Reception were truly excellent. A wonderful evening was had by all, and this was a great precursor to Eid celebrations all across our community this weekend.   Batley Girls' High School then achieved national success with Afeefah competing in the Historical Association's national finals of the Great Debate. Afeefah was awarded a special commendation award. She came in the top 4 of 21. She was absolutely brilliant and will be sent a certificate and appear on the Historical Association's website. We are all incredibly proud of Afeefah and she is a winner in our eyes. Well done, Afeefah!