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!

I am absolutely thrilled to share some extraordinary news with our Trust community: three of our wonderful schools; Hyrstmount Junior School, Batley Girls’ High School and Upper Batley High School have been recognised as Top 10 Schools in the country in the prestigious Edurio Survey Awards.   This national recognition is based directly on the feedback from our parent surveys, making it uniquely special. It places our schools among the very best in the entire country for parent engagement, satisfaction, and trust. It is vitally important to us that parents know their feedback does have an impact and this award is testament to that. In light of this amazing achievement, our Trust and school leaders have been invited to London this December for the official awards ceremony to celebrate alongside other outstanding education leaders.   At the heart of our Trust family of schools is a firm belief: schools and families are infinitely better, and are Stronger Together, when we communicate effectively, listen deeply, and work hand-in-hand to meet the needs of every child. These awards are a powerful reflection of that collaborative spirit in action. When schools and parents/carers build genuine, supportive partnerships, our young people thrive, grow, and achieve incredible things.   I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the staff, leaders, learners, and parents and carers at Hyrstmount Junior School, Batley Girls’ High School and Upper Batley High School. Your dedication, open dialogue, and shared commitment to excellence embody true #BatleyBrilliance. Thank you to all our parents and carers across the Trust for your continued feedback, trust and partnership. Together, we are building a bright, ambitious future for every child in our care.