We came together to host a series of brilliant events in memory of Jo Cox as part of The Great Get Together 2026. The energy across our Trust family of schools was a powerful reminder of what makes our Trust so special: our unwavering commitment to community. The Great Get Together is all about celebrating the fantastic people who live and work alongside us, anchored in the timeless truth that we are far more united than that which divides us.

 

Here are just a few of the unforgettable highlights from a remarkable week:

 

The Batley Bake Off 2026

Our signature baking competition reached new heights this year. We were deeply honoured to welcome Jo’s family again to join us for this special event. Jo’s parents Jean & Gordon are an amazing and inspirational couple, and her sister Kim (now an MP herself as well) is an inspiration, and is highly committed to the importance of education and building strong communities. Despite the sweltering temperatures in the kitchens and halls, the standard of entries was incredibly high again this year. From stunning showstoppers to perfectly executed bakes, our learners and staff showcased immense talent, making the judging panel’s job exceptionally difficult! Congratulations to Batley Grammar School who won first prize for their apple extravaganza - their entry consisted of home grown apples made into delicious apple crumble, apple cheesecake, apple aid, chocolate apples and even apple curry-wow! A real taste extravaganza!

 

'Step into the Future' & A View From Above

On Friday, our energy shifted to the future. Our Step into the Future event featured a breath-taking performance by the cast of Matilda, who were absolutely superb and captured the hearts of everyone in attendance. A fantastic, heartfelt speech was delivered by two inspirational school leaders; Mrs Lockwood and Mrs Sawyer. 

 

Following the performances, more than 250 learners gathered on the Batley Girls’ High School field under the blazing sun. Standing side-by-side, they perfectly spelled out Jo’s name on the grass. A drone captured the moment beautifully from the sky—a stunning visual tribute to a legacy that continues to guide us.

 

Inspiring Words from Kim Leadbeater MP

We were privileged to be joined by local MP Kim Leadbeater, Jo Cox’s sister. Kim spoke movingly to our young people about her sister, their shared journey as local girls into politics, and the vital importance of civic engagement. Her message to our learners was powerful and clear: your voice matters, you matter, and we can all make a positive difference in this world.

 

Unity in Community is Key

Our Trust family of schools is built on the foundation of community. Seeing our learners, staff, governors and local people from our community brave the heat to celebrate togetherness proved that unity isn't just a word we use—it is a value we live out every single day.

 

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every teacher, associate staff member, learner, and volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make last week a huge success. You didn't just host events; you created memories, fostered belonging, and ensured that Jo’s message of unity burns as brightly as ever.

 

Thank you all for making our Trust a beacon of community spirit.