Here in Batley, that sense of belonging isn’t just a buzzword; it is our foundation. Belonging in your community is key - it is a truth we live by every day. Schools are far more than just places of learning. They are the heartbeat of our towns, the anchoring institutions that serve as the vital social glue holding our communities together. Community makes us, and unity in community is everything.

For that reason we had to do one last blog for this school year as we attended a brilliant community event on Saturday and have another one coming up this week. This summer, we have seen incredible examples of what can be achieved when people pull together. The England football team gave the entire nation a masterclass in teamwork, resilience, and determination. They showed us that progress is built on collective effort, grit and unwavering support for one another. Beyond the sport itself, what was truly magical was how football united communities and the country over recent weeks. It reminded us of the sheer joy of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our neighbours, cheering for a shared goal. That is the exact same spirit we strive to cultivate across our family of schools every single term. There are many lessons in unity from the pitch to the playground.

True community spirit is kept alive by the quiet heroes who give their time to lift others up. This week, I also want to shine a bright spotlight on one of our incredible school governors, Mr Geoff Alvy who has dedicated over 30 years of volunteer service to our schools in Batley. More than three decades of guiding, supporting and championing our young people is an astonishing achievement. Proving that their passion for Batley knows no bounds, this same governor was on stage on Saturday evening, singing his heart out with the Batley Community Choir. It was a beautiful evening of song, and a perfect demonstration of how we can bring people together through the power of music. It was also a deeply moving tribute to our Jo Cox, who was our MP with two beautiful songs performed in her memory. Batley works tirelessly to build a lasting legacy for Jo, continuing the great work she started when she represented us. It was incredibly special to see Jo’s fantastic parents, Jean and Gordon Leadbeater, attend the concert. Their presence made a wonderful evening feel even more connected and profound.

The momentum of unity doesn't stop there. This Wednesday, the inspiring Jo Cox Way cycle ride sets off from Spen Valley Stadium. A pack of passionate cyclists will begin their epic journey, cycling all the way from West Yorkshire to London, where they will arrive on Sunday. They will be met by welcoming crowds, but the magic happens at every mile in between. This event, year after year, brings communities together up and down the country as people line the streets to cheer the cyclists on, remembering the message; "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us." Jo Cox, MP.

Every cyclist pedalling south this week carries that message. As an educational community, we carry it in our classrooms, our playgrounds, and our hearts. Let’s keep building those connections, celebrating our staff, our volunteers, our brilliant young people and proving every day that community truly makes us.

Have a wonderful summer! We look forward to welcoming you back in September for another high-achieving, brilliant year in Batley. We belong in Batley, it is where great things happen.