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.

At the heart of our Multi Academy Trust lies a simple, powerful conviction: education is about more than just results; it is about belonging and togetherness.   In a world that often feels increasingly divided, our Trust schools must be sanctuaries of unity because schools are the social glue that holds their community together. We strive to be a community-centred Trust where every learner, staff member, and parent/carer knows they are seen, heard and valued. Put simply, so that every individual knows that they belong in Batley.   We are guided by the timeless words of the late, inspirational Jo Cox:   "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us."   This isn't just a sentiment; it is part of our mission. Whether in the classroom or the playground, we celebrate our differences while anchoring ourselves in the shared values that bring us together. When we focus on our common humanity, we create an environment where every individual can truly flourish.   Join us this June   To put these values into action, I am inviting our entire Trust community to participate in The Great Get Together this June. It will be 10 years this year since Jo was tragically murdered, and our schools have worked incredibly hard over the past decade to keep Jo’s memory alive and to build a legacy to her by continuing some of the great work she started in Batley. These Great Get Together events are a wonderful opportunity to reject division and celebrate the connections we share. Great Get Together Events: Look out for local celebrations, picnics, and community projects taking place across our schools throughout June. The Batley Bake Off: Enter your own cake creation into our Batley Bake Off Competition held at Upper Batley High School on Friday 19 June. 10am-12.30pm. There are prizes for first, second and third place. The Run for Jo: On Sunday 21 June, we encourage you to lace up your trainers for the "Run for Jo." Whether you run, jog, or walk, it is a powerful way to stand together in solidarity and joy. There is also a 2.5km run for our youngest learners and those less keen on a longer run/walk! Sign up here: https://racebest.com/races/runforjo2026   Let’s show that our Trust is more than just a collection of buildings—it is a family. I look forward to seeing you there.   Together, we are stronger.