As we approach June 2026, our community faces a poignant milestone. It will be ten years since the tragic murder of Jo Cox. A decade has passed, yet the truth of her most famous words remains absolute: "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us." Today, that sense of belonging and togetherness is needed more than ever in Batley and around the world.    As a Multi Academy Trust, our mission extends far beyond the classroom walls. We are not just educating the next generation; we are anchoring the community they belong to. True education thrives when schools, families, and the local community move forward hand-in-hand.   Nothing exemplifies this spirit of connection quite like a recent performance by our fantastic local community choir. I want to extend a heartfelt, personal thank you to the choir for their incredible community engagement. I was especially proud to see one of our very own school Chairs of Governors singing as part of the choir. My Alvy is an active and highly effective Chair of Governors and a positive and proactive member of the local community, always helping others and giving his time so generously to community action projects.    The Batley Community Choir’s rendition of "The Rose"—performed in moving memory of Jo Cox—was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when voices join as one. It wasn't just a beautiful musical performance; it was a demonstration of solidarity, healing, and shared hope. Through music, through education, and through daily acts of kindness, Batley continues to prove its resilience. Let us use this upcoming anniversary not just to remember a tragedy, but to recommit to the values Jo stood for. Let us look forward together.    Thank you to the Community Choir, our governors, our staff, our learners and our wider community for proving, day after day, that we are always stronger together.   You can take part in events this June by holding your own Great Get Together event, or by coming along to the Run for Jo on Sunday 21 June at Oakwell Hall. Sign up here: https://racebest.com/races/runforjo2026 or come along to the Batley Bake Off at Upper Batley High School on Friday 19 June at 10am.

It is often said that the greatest gift we can give a child is the opportunity to learn. However, that opportunity remains untapped if the classroom chair is empty. Today, I am incredibly proud to dedicate this post to the remarkable community at Healey School for their phenomenal progress in transforming school attendance.   Over the past year, Healey has seen a significant upward shift in its attendance figures. This isn't just about statistics or meeting benchmarks; it is a testament to a culture that values every single minute of the school day.   We hold a simple, unwavering belief across our Trust family of schools: High Attendance = High Achievement. When a learner is in the classroom, they aren't just absorbing facts; they are building relationships, participating in collaborative problem-solving, and developing the social-emotional skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Every "lost learning day" is a missed connection and a gap in a child’s foundation. By prioritising being present, Healey School is ensuring its learners are on the fastest track to success.   This rapid improvement doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of a powerful "triple thread" of commitment:   To the School Staff Team: Thank you for your relentless focus and strategic vision. You have created a learning environment where learners want to be, and where families feel supported rather than scrutinised. Your data-driven approach, combined with genuine care, is setting a new gold standard. To the Parents and Carers: We know that the "school run" starts long before the gates open. Thank you for your partnership. By reinforcing the importance of punctuality and attendance at home, you are teaching your children the value of commitment and consistency. To our Learners: You are the heart of this success. Seeing you arrive with energy and ready to engage is what drives us. Your dedication to your own growth is inspiring, and you are proving every day that when you show up, you stand out.   Healey School has proven that with a shared vision, we can overcome the hurdles that keep children away from the classroom. As we move forward, let’s keep this momentum going.    To everyone at Healey: Thank you for working together. You have protected your learning time, and in doing so, you have protected your futures.   Keep showing up. Keep shining.