Welcome back! The new academic year has got off to a great start in Batley. Thank you to all parents/carers who have ensured their children are in school on time, with excellent attendance and all the correct uniform and equipment for learning. We know flights are cheaper during term time, but a fantastic education is priceless! Every day counts.

Our school year began with a conference for all our staff. Over 700 people came together to set the vision for the year ahead, share best practice, and celebrate the huge successes our Trust family of schools achieved last year. Every year we get better and better. Two fantastic learners from Field Lane opened our conference and outlined why education matters in Batley. One of our amazing BG6 learners then spoke about the power of hope and belonging in our community. These young people are a true inspiration to us all!

In the 1960s Batley was famous for the Batley Variety Club where global superstars such as Roy Orbison, Shirley Bassey and the Bee Gees came to perform, all bringing with them a sense of hope and belonging to an industrial northern town. In the 2020s Batley is now on the map for a fantastic education for all. A great education brings a sense of hope to young people for a bright, successful, happy and healthy future. Highly skilled, well educated young people are highly employable and a real asset to local businesses, the local economy and our community overall.

We have such brilliance in Batley, let's develop it, share it and continue to celebrate the great people who live and work in this fantastic town. Our Trust schools are at the heart of the Batley community; delivered through our schools are our two 'The Fields' community centres, and we also have our Yorkshire Rose teacher training and adult education - there is so much to celebrate in Batley to provide a sense of hope and belonging for all. The future is bright, your future begins in Batley.