Batley Girls' High School are celebrating real success with one of their highly skilled and talented learners winning the semi-finals of the Historical Association's Great Debate 2026.

Afeefah has won the semi-final and secured a place in the finals in London. We are all incredibly proud of Afeefah and this fantastic achievement. She is already a winner in our eyes and a shining star of Batley.

In the semi-finals, Afeefah competed against learners from 12 schools all across the country, many of whom are from private schools. Afeefah was superb! We now wish her every success in the finals, and we are all so incredibly proud of her achievement to reach this stage of this prestigious competition.

Congratulations also go to Mrs Wilby, the Assistant Headteacher from Batley Girls' High School who coordinates this work with the Historical Association and coaches the learners to help prepare them for the competition. Batley Girls' High School has had two learners reach the finals in the last 3 years.

Our whole Trust family of schools now wishes Afeefah every success, although she is already a winner in our eyes.

Good luck, Afeefah!