As we approach June 2026, our community faces a poignant milestone. It will be ten years since the tragic murder of Jo Cox. A decade has passed, yet the truth of her most famous words remains absolute: "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us." Today, that sense of belonging and togetherness is needed more than ever in Batley and around the world. 

As a Multi Academy Trust, our mission extends far beyond the classroom walls. We are not just educating the next generation; we are anchoring the community they belong to. True education thrives when schools, families, and the local community move forward hand-in-hand.

Nothing exemplifies this spirit of connection quite like a recent performance by our fantastic local community choir. I want to extend a heartfelt, personal thank you to the choir for their incredible community engagement. I was especially proud to see one of our very own school Chairs of Governors singing as part of the choir. My Alvy is an active and highly effective Chair of Governors and a positive and proactive member of the local community, always helping others and giving his time so generously to community action projects. 

The Batley Community Choir’s rendition of "The Rose"—performed in moving memory of Jo Cox—was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when voices join as one. It wasn't just a beautiful musical performance; it was a demonstration of solidarity, healing, and shared hope.

Through music, through education, and through daily acts of kindness, Batley continues to prove its resilience. Let us use this upcoming anniversary not just to remember a tragedy, but to recommit to the values Jo stood for. Let us look forward together. 

Thank you to the Community Choir, our governors, our staff, our learners and our wider community for proving, day after day, that we are always stronger together.

You can take part in events this June by holding your own Great Get Together event, or by coming along to the Run for Jo on Sunday 21 June at Oakwell Hall. Sign up here: https://racebest.com/races/runforjo2026 or come along to the Batley Bake Off at Upper Batley High School on Friday 19 June at 10am.