On Saturday we held our Trust Annual Governance Conference 2026, and my overriding feeling is one of immense gratitude and optimism. Members, Trustees and Governors joined the Trust Central Team for the day, united by a shared dedication to the children, young people and families of Batley. We are highly privileged to have a team of over 85 volunteers in these key leadership roles across our Trust family of schools.    The theme for this year’s conference was Belonging and Togetherness. These are values that sit at the very heart of everything we do in Batley. We know that when young people feel a true sense of belonging, they thrive, succeed, and grow into confident adults who make a positive difference in the world.   Our Governors are a vital part of our wider leadership team. Every single Governor is a volunteer who gives up their time so generously to support, guide and champion our schools. That gift of time and expertise is invaluable, and on behalf of our entire Trust family of schools, I want to say a heartfelt thank you.   The tone for the entire day was set in the most extraordinary way by our fabulous learners from Field Lane School. Opening the conference, they spoke to a room full of people about what education means to them as young people. To stand up in front of a large audience and speak with such clarity, eloquence, and heart takes immense confidence. They were truly inspirational and served as a powerful reminder of exactly why we do what we do.   It was equally wonderful to welcome their parents, whose pride shone through as they watched their children captivate the room. Moments like those capture the true spirit of our community - families, schools and Governors all working together to support our young people.   During the conference, our Chair of the Trust Board set out our key governance pledges for the year ahead. Throughout the day, governance volunteers at all levels, from School Governing Boards, to Trustees to our Members, all had the opportunity to connect, collaborate, analyse key documentation, and shape our strategic vision for the year. The energy and passion in the room proved just how much we can achieve when we align our efforts for the benefit of all our learners.   There is so much potential waiting to be unlocked in Batley, and with such a committed staff and governance team, the possibilities are endless.   Thank you once again to everyone who attended and contributed to making the conference such a resounding success, and to our outstanding governance team for their excellent planning and organisation on the day. Here’s to an exciting, ambitious, and impactful year ahead!

Field Lane School was delighted to welcome the Jo Cox Foundation to their school to meet staff and learners who are supporting this brilliant charity this year. At the Jo Cox Foundation (JCF), their mission is driven by a simple yet transformative truth: we have far more in common than that which divides us. Nowhere is that spirit more alive today than at Field Lane School here in Batley - a town that holds an irreplaceable place in our hearts as the constituency Jo Cox so proudly represented.   Recently, the JCF Chair of Trustees, Baroness Jan Royall, together with other Trustees, Olivia the CEO and other members of the JCF Executive Team all visited Field Lane. The JCF team said that from the moment they walked through the school doors, the warmth, energy and sense of community were palpable. Field Lane’s Year 6 learners have chosen the Jo Cox Foundation as their designated charity to fundraise for this year. To see the next generation actively choosing to step up, tackle loneliness, and champion connection within their local community is both humbling and deeply inspiring.   During the JCF team’s visit to the school, they had the joy of hearing from the learners themselves, leading an interactive lesson with the learners, followed by a whole-school assembly. JCF leaders spoke about Jo’s legacy, the importance of bringing people together, and how small everyday acts of kindness can bridge divides. The learners were remarkably engaged, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their own ideas on how to build stronger, more compassionate communities.   Field Lane School isn't just remembering Jo’s work; it is are actively living it out. The dedication of the staff and the enthusiasm of the learners serve as a powerful reminder that Jo's message continues to flourish right here at home in Batley.   The JCF were effusive in praise for the wonderful learners at Field Lane School for welcoming them so warmly. JCF was honoured to stand alongside Field Lane this year as they embark on their fundraising journey, and we all cannot wait to see the incredible impact the learners' hard work will bring!