CEO Blog

• Batley is the place to be!

  Mon 21 Sep 2026

  We recently had the privilege of attending the very first Batley Brilliance event of the term at Manorfield Infant and Nursery School, and to say it set a high bar would be an understatement. From the moment we walked through the doors, the vibrant, tangible energy across the entire school was undeniable. Every single element of the event had been carefully considered and expertly crafted—a true reflection of 'The Manorfield Way' in action.

   

  The unveiling of new class names, logos, and songs captured everything education should be all about. Whether they were Tigers, Jaguars, Wolves, or Eagles, hearing the children sing their class songs with complete pride just three weeks into term was deeply powerful. They already know they belong.

  Even our newest learners—the Lions and Bears in Reception—were settled, focused, and thoroughly engaged on just day 12 of their school journey. That is a massive testament to the dedication of the Reception team. Our new Cubs in Nursery already feel like they belong here. 

   

  Under the strong leadership of Headteacher Kate and her brilliant team, children at Manorfield are being empowered to be brave, resilient, and ready to lead. The message across the school is simple yet profound: “Be ready, be respectful, be your best!”

   

  We wrapped up the visit in the school library, where vision has officially met reality. The craftsmanship in that space is breathtaking - huge thanks to Liam the Gardener for his exceptional work building a bespoke learning environment that will inspire generations of readers. A highlight of the event was watching one of their fantastic learners cut the red ribbon to officially open the space. The look on their face when they saw the new library was simply priceless. Their one word said it all: “wow.” Well done Team Manorfield, Batley is the place to be!

  

• Shaping Children's Futures Together

  Mon 14 Sep 2026

  As I reflect on the start of the new school year, one resounding theme continues to inspire me: the Power of Me. It is easy to look at large organisations, trusts, and communities and assume that real transformation happens only through grand, collective gestures. The truth is that every meaningful shift begins with the choices, habits, and actions of a single individual. Whether it is a learner deciding to try once more on a difficult problem, a parent or carer setting a routine that ensures a smooth morning, or a teacher or other adult in school finding a new way to connect with a child, individual actions are the fundamental catalysts for change.

   

  A great education is the single most powerful tool we can offer our young people. It serves as the gateway to a better, brighter future, unlocking doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed. However, schools cannot achieve this in isolation. We are always stronger together, and our success relies entirely on working in close, authentic partnership with our parents and carers.

   

  To our parents and carers: thank you. Your dedication to ensuring your children arrive at school on time, fully equipped, and ready to learn creates the groundwork for everything we accomplish in the classroom. That daily commitment does not go unnoticed.

   

  To our incredible learners: thank you for the positive attitudes, energy, and enthusiastic start you have brought to this new school year. Your curiosity and drive remind us daily why we work in education. 

   

  A special mention must go to the phenomenal Healey School Choir, who officially opened our Trust Annual Conference 2026. Performing their inspiring rendition of "The Power of Me," they set an unforgettable tone for the entire day, and the year ahead. 

   

  Addressing an audience of over 700 staff members, the choir was nothing short of exceptional. There was no better way to motivate our team of adults than hearing the vibrant, confident voices of the very young people we serve. The choir reminded every single one of us in the room of the profound impact one voice, and one person, can have.

   

  As we move forward into this year, let us all remember that change starts with each of us. Thank you for your continued support, partnership and dedication to our children’s futures.

  

• Welcome back!

  Mon 07 Sep 2026

  As we excitedly open our school doors to welcome you to the start of a new school year, there is a tangible sense of energy and opportunity across every classroom. September always brings a fresh start, and this year is a dedicated chance for every single learner to shine and be their absolute best.

   

  Seeing our learners return looking so smart in their correct uniforms, equipped with everything they need to learn, and arriving on time or early every day fills us with immense pride. That punctuality and high level of preparation show a genuine readiness to learn and a determination to try hard every day. To our children: thank you for bringing your enthusiasm, energy and brilliant smiles. To our parents and carers: thank you for the incredible effort, early mornings, and dedication it takes to get everyone ready and through the gates on time. To our staff: thank you for your hard work in ensuring we deliver an exceptional education, both academically and our pastoral care.

   

  The famous African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child." This truth lies at the heart of our Trust's philosophy. Schools are at their most successful when they build deep, collaborative relationships with families. We are infinitely stronger together, and when home and school work in harmony with shared values, our children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

   

  We are fully committed to doing our absolute best for our children, and we look forward to walking alongside parents and carers throughout the year ahead.

   

  Welcome back! Here’s to all that we can achieve together this year.

  

• Belonging in Batley: Schools as the Social Glue of our Communities

  Mon 20 Jul 2026

  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.

  

• Celebrating Community & A Brilliant Year in Batley

  Mon 13 Jul 2026

  As we reach the end of another highly successful academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what makes our Trust family of schools so truly special. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to be the Trust at the heart of the Batley community, and nothing exemplified this more beautifully than the recent 'One Community' event at Healey School.

   

  I want to extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to Luisa and the phenomenal Healey team. Bringing families, neighbours, and friends together to connect, laugh, and share experiences is exactly what we stand for. From the face painting and bouncy castles to the donkeys and the balloon hats and flowers, the day was a vibrant masterclass in what the "unity" in community truly means. Events of this scale don't happen by accident. They require an immense amount of time, deep thought, and meticulous planning. The warm and welcoming atmosphere was a direct result of the Healey team pouring their hearts into the day. Thank you all for your leadership, vision and dedication.

   

  As the summer break approaches, this event serves as a perfect end to a fantastic year across all our Trust family of schools. I want to say a massive thank you to our entire community; our staff, parents/carers, Members, Trustees and Governors, and our friends and neighbours for your ongoing, unwavering support. Together, we are building a brilliant education system in Batley to benefit every single child we serve, and in turn, benefit our entire community overall.

   

  Thank you for a wonderful year, and I hope you all have a restful, happy summer break! While you enjoy some time away from school to relax and unwind, that's when the magic begins on our site transformations. We will update you further when schools return in September, but watch this space. Several transformations are underway in Batley this summer with almost £1 million being invested this summer alone in improving our learning environments!

   

  Stay safe and enjoy the summer break. 

  

• Celebrating the Heart and Soul of Team Batley: Excellence in Inclusive Education

  Mon 06 Jul 2026

  There are moments in leadership that stop you in your tracks, fill you with immense pride, and remind you precisely why we do the work we do. Recently, we experienced one of those unforgettable moments at the Local Authority Education Awards, hosted at the University of Huddersfield. It was an event dedicated to celebrating the champions of education, and I am thrilled to share some incredible news with our entire Trust family of schools.

   

  First and foremost, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to two phenomenal colleagues from Upper Batley High School: Denita and Gemma. They were nominated for a special achievement award recognising their truly exceptional work with young people who have SEND. To put it simply: the work Denita and Gemma do every single day changes lives. They provide the safety, understanding, and high expectations that allow our most vulnerable learners to thrive. Plus, as we all know what works with children with SEND works for all children. 

   

  The awards were presented by the acclaimed author Jaz Ampaw-Farr, whose hugely successful book; “Because of You, This Is Me,” beautifully documents the profound, lifelong impact that dedicated teachers can have on a child's life. Having Jaz present the awards was incredibly fitting, because Denita and Gemma are living embodiments of that exact message. Because of them, our young people have brighter futures. Our entire Trust family of schools is bursting with pride.

   

  During the ceremony, I was both deeply shocked and incredibly delighted to be called to the stage to receive a Special Leadership Award for my work in ensuring all our schools deliver a first-class, inclusive education for all. This was such a humbling surprise. While I am absolutely honoured to receive this award, I know a fundamental truth: leadership does not happen in a vacuum. This recognition is only possible because I am highly privileged to lead such a superb team of over 700 highly committed teachers and associate staff. You are the ones who do your very best each and every day for all the children we serve. This award does not belong to me. It belongs to everyone across our Trust family of schools. As the famous proverb states; “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” Thank you to our whole staff team, and congratulations Team Batley.

   

  Whether you are in the classroom, managing finances, maintaining our buildings, working in the offices, or supporting our learners' pastoral care and wellbeing, you are a vital part of our village. You make our vision of inclusive education a reality. Congratulations to Denita, Gemma, and the entire Team Batley family of schools. Let's keep changing lives together!

   

  Oh, and for all of the football fans reading this today - 'England knew today was gonna be the day and it was definitely worth the early wake up!' We are bursting with pride for our national team today - come on England! 

  

• A Week of Community, Connection, and Continuing Jo’s Legacy

  Mon 29 Jun 2026
  Last week was nothing short of extraordinary for our Trust family of schools. Amidst a record-breaking summer heatwave, our school communities showed their true colours—resilient, creative and profoundly united.

   

  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.

  

• A Huge Thank You: Run for Jo 2026

  Mon 22 Jun 2026

  Today I wanted to extend my deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to everyone who volunteered their time so generously to support the Run for Jo 2026 this past weekend. It was a truly wonderful day that brought our entire community together. This year was particularly poignant as we marked 10 years of building a stronger, more collaborative, caring and compassionate community - continuing to build a lasting legacy to Jo Cox and celebrating the very values she stood for.

   

  Coinciding with Father’s Day, it was also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all the wonderful dads and father figures across our schools and our community. And, of course, a massive highlight for our younger participants (and many older ones!) was meeting George from CBeebies, which brought an extra dose of joy to the day. What made the day truly exceptional was seeing the incredible representation from every single level of our organisation. We had Members, Trustees, Governors, Leaders, school staff, learners, and parents/carers all standing side-by-side. This demonstrates powerfully how our Trust lives by its values and how committed our staff are with many giving up their time so generously over the past year (and for some colleagues, the past 10 years) to plan, organise and support great community events such as these. We have planners, organisers, volunteers, runners, walkers and cyclists-so many tremendous people in one fantastic community. 

   

  Days like this reinforce exactly why we do what we do. Our Trust’s mission is simple yet profound: to be the Trust at the heart of the Batley community.

   

  Seeing our fantastic community unite with such energy and spirit proved once again that we are achieving that mission together. Thank you for your selflessness, your energy, and your unwavering dedication to our community. You are what makes our Trust so special.

   

  We have two more Great Get Together community events planned for this week, with the famous Batley Bake Off running on Thursday 25 June at 10.30am at Upper Batley High School. Then, on Friday 26 June at 10am the Step Into The Future event at Batley Girls' High School. Then, our grand finale this summer is the Healey One Community event on Thursday 9 July at 1.30pm at Healey School.

   

  The standard of competition at Batley Bake Off gets better and better, year by year. Whether you enjoy making cakes, or eating cakes, or simply coming along to watch - everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!

  

• Stronger Together: Why Education is Our Strongest Antidote to Division

  Mon 15 Jun 2026

  Last week, I had the distinct privilege of being invited to 10 Downing Street to attend an event hosted by the Prime Minister. Walking through that historic door, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride—not just for the invitation, but for what it represents: a recognition of the vital role education plays in the fabric of our society. Yet, as I stood there reflecting on the current state of our society, I couldn’t shake a heavy truth. We are living at a time when our country and our world feel incredibly divided. It can often feel like the loudest voices are those seeking to stoke hate, fracture communities, and pull us apart. When faced with those who seek to divide us, we cannot stay silent. We must stand up against division and actively demonstrate a fundamental truth: we have far more in common than that which divides us. To counter this friction, it is absolutely essential that we all work together to build a kinder, fairer, safer, and more compassionate world.

   

  So, where does that massive piece of work begin? It begins in our classrooms.

   

  Schools are the front lines of a healthier democracy and a more empathetic world. They are the unique spaces where we teach children to respect difference rather than fear it. In an age of algorithms and echo chambers, schools are where we equip young people with the critical thinking skills to identify fake news and challenge misinformation. Crucially, our schools promote respectful discussion and debate. We are teaching the next generation that they can hold completely different views and opinions without being rude or disrespectful to those across the aisle. Disagreement is healthy; division and disrespect are not. There is a beautiful quote that perfectly captures the weight of this mission: "Education does not change the world. Education changes people and people change the world."

   

  We aren't just teaching subjects; we are shaping the future architects of our society. By fostering empathy, critical thought, kindness and compassion in our children today, we are ensuring they have the tools to build the fairer, safer world we all deserve to live in tomorrow.

   

  This vital mission feels particularly poignant this month. This June, our schools are proudly taking part in The Great Get Together, helping to build a lasting legacy for our local MP, Jo Cox who was tragically murdered 10 years ago. Through education, community events, and daily acts of kindness, Batley continues to prove its incredible resilience. Let us use this upcoming anniversary not just to remember a tragedy, but to actively recommit to the values Jo stood for.

   

  We would love for you to join us in this celebration of unity. You can take part this June by holding your own Great Get Together event, or by coming along to one of these wonderful community gatherings:

  • Run for Jo: Sunday 21 June at Oakwell Hall. You can lace up your running (or walking) shoes and sign up here: racebest.com/races/runforjo2026.

  • The Batley Bake Off: Thursday 25 June at 10:30am, hosted at Upper Batley High School.

  • Healey School One Community Event: Thursday 9 July from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Everyone is welcome!

   

  Let us look forward together. My deepest thank you to our incredible members, trustees and governors, our staff, our learners, and our wider community for proving, day after day, that we are always stronger together and for working tirelessly every day to make this vision a reality.

  

• Celebrating Team Batley: We are the 'Small Employer of the Year 2026'

  Mon 08 Jun 2026

  I am absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news with our entire community. One of our Trust schools has officially been named the Small Employer of the Year 2026. This award belongs to every single member of staff. It is a testament to the dedication, passion, and sheer hard work that defines our organisation.

   

  In the education sector, it’s easy to focus solely on outcomes, data, and inspection frameworks. But we know the fundamental truth: for children to receive a great education, they need the very best staff.

  It is the great staff we employ who inspire the children in our schools. From our teachers in the classrooms to our associate staff teams in administration roles behind the scenes, and those colleagues in children facing roles for pastoral care, you are all the heartbeat of this Trust family. You create the environment where our young people can thrive. That is why our core philosophy has always been simple yet powerful in Batley:"We train staff so they could leave, but treat them so they choose to stay."

   

  This belief is a key part of our vision to be the employer of choice. We don't just want you to work here; we want you to grow here, flourish here, and feel deeply valued every single day. Great staff belong in Batley. While this is a collective victory, I want to give a special shout-out to a few individuals and teams who have truly championed this ethos:

  • Emma Rodrigues: Huge congratulations and thank you for your superb work across CPD, staff development, teacher training, career planning, and succession planning. Your dedication ensures that our team's professional growth never stands still.

  • Fatima: A massive congratulations to our star maths apprentice! Your hard work and bright future represent exactly why we invest so heavily in early-career talent.

  • Upper Batley High School: Congratulations to the entire team! Your collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence embody the very best of what our Trust family of schools stands for.

   

  Being recognised as Small Employer of the Year is a proud milestone, but our journey doesn't end here. We will continue to invest in our staff well-being, professional development, and career pathways. Our whole trust is built on all of us learning all of the time: our staff and our young people. We are all learners each and every day.

   

  Thank you to all our staff for everything you do for our learners, for each other, and for our Trust. Let's take a moment to celebrate this fantastic achievement together—you have earned it! Really well done Team Batley!