Kate has a genuine passion for education and for the powerful difference a great school can make to the lives and futures of children. She feels incredibly proud to be the Headteacher of Manorfield Infant and Nursery School and is committed to the children, families and wider community of Batley.

Kate began her teaching career in Bradford, working in schools serving highly disadvantaged communities. From the very start, she understood that relationships sit at the heart of everything, building trust with learners, working closely with parents/carers, and creating an environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn.

Alongside her teaching career, Kate holds a degree in Fine Art and has led creative art workshops in primary schools. She is a strong advocate for the arts and creativity, believing they should be woven through school life and play a vital role in developing confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of identity in young children.

Throughout her career, Kate has held a range of leadership roles across curriculum and senior leadership. She now leads Manorfield with energy, warmth and ambition, with a clear focus on inclusion, strong early learning foundations and high expectations for every child, no matter their background or starting point.

Above all, Kate is driven by her belief that childhood should be full of possibility. Her aspiration is for every child at Manorfield to grow into a confident, resilient and kind individual, well prepared for the next stage of their education and for life beyond the classroom.​​​​​​

John believes that every young person deserves to be able to achieve and succeed, regardless of their starting point, to become successful, independent citizens and positive members of their community. John firmly believes that a high quality education is key to this success. 

John began his teaching career working in Leeds and then the Midlands teaching Science, and his specialism of Biology. John joined Batley Grammar School in 2008 as Head of Science. He has progressed his career undertaking several different leadership roles as the school has grown in size due to its continuous success. Following a highly successful Deputy Headship, John became Headteacher in 2023. John is a keen scientist and sportsman.​​​​​​

Aman joined Upper Batley High School in 2014 as an Assistant Headteacher. He became Deputy Headteacher in 2015, Head of School in 2020 and Headteacher in September 2022. Aman gained his NPQH Ambition Leadership accreditation in 2020.

Prior to joining our family of schools, Aman held leadership roles for 16 years and supported schools throughout Kirklees with leadership development; helping to raise quality standards across departments as well as aiding the professional development of colleagues. 

Aman firmly believes that all young people should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background, and is passionate about creating a culture to enable self-development and pride. 

Aman’s ethos is that hard work coupled with a growth mindset empowers each and every person to be successful in life, thus removing any barriers to success, and he is testament to those principles.

Gary became the Headteacher at Batley Girls’ High School in September 2023, having previously been the Headteacher at Batley Grammar School (a through-school in our Trust). Prior to this, Gary taught in a large 11-18 comprehensive school in Leeds before taking up the initial post of Deputy Head at Batley Grammar School and progressing to Headteacher. 

Gary’s subject specialism is Economics and Business Studies. Throughout his teaching career, he has also taught Law to 14-18 year olds.

Gary is keen to ensure that all young people grasp the opportunities available to them, that school and education can provide, so that they can become positive successful role models in our community.​​​​​​

Luisa began her journey at Healey School in January 2017, as the Interim Headteacher and secured the substantive Headship in June 2017. Before this, Luisa had been the long standing Deputy Headteacher at Dalton School in Huddersfield, and had experienced being an Acting Headteacher and a school improvement partner for local schools.

From her earliest memories, Luisa has always wanted to be a teacher and has followed in the footsteps of family members. Luisa started her teaching career in Brighouse, where she taught across the primary phase and in Year 6 for many years. Having led curriculum development, Luisa particularly enjoyed leading Science, IT and PSHE. In 2006, she relished the challenge of moving to a much larger school in a challenging area where she soon became the Deputy Headteacher.

Luisa is devoted to education and enabling young people and staff to be the best they can be, regardless of their background or starting point. Inspiring others and making a positive difference to people’s lives are what motivates Luisa in her role.

Matthew is an excellent leader who has substantial school leadership experience spanning over 20 years. He has taught across the primary age ranges and has led countless school improvement initiatives, thriving on the challenge of improving learner outcomes, raising aspirations and making a difference to children’s overall life chances. Matthew firmly believes in promoting learners’ personal development through the curriculum and in the importance of fostering a ‘can-do’ attitude and positive growth mindset amongst learners. 

Prior to Matthew’s Headship position at Hyrstmount Junior School, he has held two different Deputy Headteacher posts and he is highly skilled and experienced. 

Having worked in the Batley community for most of his career, Matthew has an affinity with the area and is fully invested in ensuring that the young people of Batley are afforded the opportunities a great education can provide.​​​​​

Asif is the Headteacher at Field Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School where he has dedicated 18 years of his career, including a decade as Deputy Head. Asif is Batley "through-and-through" and is deeply rooted in the local community, having attended Upper Batley High School and Batley Parish during his younger years. His deep connection to the area informs his mission to make a tangible difference and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Throughout his tenure at Field Lane, Asif has held various leadership roles, including Maths Lead, Computing Lead, ECT Mentor, and crucially, Designated Safeguarding Lead. His expertise in safeguarding was further recognised at Trust level, where he served as the Trust Strategic Safeguarding Leader, leading reviews and further embedding safeguarding excellence across its family of schools.

Beyond his professional life, Asif is an avid reader of leadership books, with favourites like, 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' and 'Start With Why', shaping his leadership approach. A lifelong Manchester United fan, Asif believes in standing by his team "even when things are difficult," a personal philosophy that perfectly mirrors his commitment and resilience in his professional life.

Safeena has a passion for education and the positive impact a great education can have on improving the lives, and futures of young people. Safeena is very proud to be the Headteacher of Purlwell Infant and Nursery School. She is an incredibly hard working woman and has had a highly successful career, having initially joined the education sector as a teaching assistant in 1997. Safeena’s skills and potential for leadership were clear from the beginning, and she has taught in two large primary schools in Calderdale and then progressed to leadership roles in Early Years and then phonics, Key Stage 1, and across a range of other subjects. Safeena then achieved the status of becoming an Early Years Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) and supported a number of schools across Calderdale and Bradford through their improvement journey.

Safeena’s aspiration is for all learners to become caring, resilient and confident individuals who not only gain academic success and reach their full potential regardless of background and starting point; but who also contribute positively to the communities they live in, and society as a whole.

Ryan is the Head of Primary Phase at Batley Grammar School. Ryan is a highly successful teacher and leader. Throughout his career Ryan has shown a steadfast commitment to ensuring young people achieve their best and are well prepared for the next stage of their education journey.

Prior to joining Batley Multi Academy Trust, Ryan has worked in schools across Dewsbury and Batley developing engaging curricula and improving writing outcomes. Ryan has also worked on a wide range of curriculum enrichment activities such as youth groups, sports clubs and community organisations in South and West Yorkshire to provide learning and leadership opportunities for young people beyond the classroom. 

Ryan believes by focussing on holistic development all young people, regardless of their background or starting point, will grow into successful and inspirational members of our local, national and international community.