CEO Blog

• 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!

  

• Batley Brilliance Case Study

  Mon 01 Jun 2026

  Welcome back! 

   

  We have reached the last half term of this academic year and we hope everyone enjoyed the break and to everyone celebrating Eid we hope you had a wonderful time. This week I would like to share some wonderful news about our trust wide work on equality and belonging. When we first set out on our mission to redefine what inclusive education looks like, we knew that true change wouldn't happen overnight. It requires a quiet, relentless commitment to making sure every single learner and staff member feels seen, heard and valued.

   

  Today, I am incredibly proud to share a moment where that relentless commitment has been recognised on a global stage. One of our own schools has just been selected as a Best Practice Listening Hub by the Global Equalities Collective (GEC). In the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) space, it is easy to focus on policies, metrics and checkboxes. However, the leadership team, staff and learners at Batley Girls' High School understood a fundamental truth: you cannot build a truly inclusive community without first mastering the art of listening.

   

  By establishing a dedicated Listening Hub, Batley Girls' created a safe, brave space where marginalised voices are amplified, lived experiences are honoured, and constructive, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations can happen safely. It wasn’t just about hosting meetings; it was about embedding active listening into the very fabric of their daily culture. The Global Equalities Collective recognised this proactive, empathetic framework as a blueprint for schools worldwide. Our colleagues aren't just hitting standards—they are setting them. Inclusion is not a project with a deadline; it is a continuous practice of empathy. This recognition proves that when we listen with the intent to understand, rather than just respond, we unlock the true potential of our community.

   

  This achievement and recognition is wonderful for Batley Girls' High School, and the highly talented Amy Wilby, the Assistant Headteacher who led on this piece of work, but it is also a beacon for our entire Trust. It proves that the frameworks we are championing are not just theoretical concepts—they work in practice, and they transform lives. When learners feel a genuine sense of belonging and togetherness, their capacity to learn, innovate and grow expands exponentially. When staff feel safe, valued and appreciated, they do their best work.

   

  A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our staff, across all our schools who work tirelessly to do their very best for the young people we serve. Thank you for your vulnerability, your dedication, and your refusal to settle for the status quo. This is about leading with heart, and doing the very best for our learners and the colleagues we work with. In Batley we are one big team. As an educational community, let’s use this milestone not as a finish line, but as fuel. Let's keep listening. Let's keep learning. And let's keep leading the way toward a fairer, more inclusive world.

   

  As a great man once said; 'Education does not change the world, but education changes people, and people change the world.'

  

• Belonging & Togetherness in Batley

  Mon 18 May 2026

  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 Thursday 25 June at 10:30am. 

  

• Building Brighter Futures: Celebrating Healey School

  Mon 11 May 2026
  It is often said that the greatest gift we can give a child is the opportunity to learn. However, that opportunity remains untapped if the classroom chair is empty. Today, I am incredibly proud to dedicate this post to the remarkable community at Healey School for their phenomenal progress in transforming school attendance.

   

  Over the past year, Healey has seen a significant upward shift in its attendance figures. This isn't just about statistics or meeting benchmarks; it is a testament to a culture that values every single minute of the school day.

   

  We hold a simple, unwavering belief across our Trust family of schools: High Attendance = High Achievement. When a learner is in the classroom, they aren't just absorbing facts; they are building relationships, participating in collaborative problem-solving, and developing the social-emotional skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Every "lost learning day" is a missed connection and a gap in a child’s foundation. By prioritising being present, Healey School is ensuring its learners are on the fastest track to success.

   

  This rapid improvement doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of a powerful "triple thread" of commitment:

   

  • To the School Staff Team: Thank you for your relentless focus and strategic vision. You have created a learning environment where learners want to be, and where families feel supported rather than scrutinised. Your data-driven approach, combined with genuine care, is setting a new gold standard.

  • To the Parents and Carers: We know that the "school run" starts long before the gates open. Thank you for your partnership. By reinforcing the importance of punctuality and attendance at home, you are teaching your children the value of commitment and consistency.

  • To our Learners: You are the heart of this success. Seeing you arrive with energy and ready to engage is what drives us. Your dedication to your own growth is inspiring, and you are proving every day that when you show up, you stand out.

   

  Healey School has proven that with a shared vision, we can overcome the hurdles that keep children away from the classroom. As we move forward, let’s keep this momentum going. 

   

  To everyone at Healey: Thank you for working together. You have protected your learning time, and in doing so, you have protected your futures.

   

  Keep showing up. Keep shining.

  

• More In Common: Building a Community where everyone belongs

  Tue 05 May 2026

  At the heart of our Multi Academy Trust lies a simple, powerful conviction: education is about more than just results; it is about belonging and togetherness.

   

  In a world that often feels increasingly divided, our Trust schools must be sanctuaries of unity because schools are the social glue that holds their community together. We strive to be a community-centred Trust where every learner, staff member, and parent/carer knows they are seen, heard and valued. Put simply, so that every individual knows that they belong in Batley.

   

  We are guided by the timeless words of the late, inspirational Jo Cox:

   

  "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us."

   

  This isn't just a sentiment; it is part of our mission. Whether in the classroom or the playground, we celebrate our differences while anchoring ourselves in the shared values that bring us together. When we focus on our common humanity, we create an environment where every individual can truly flourish.

   

  Join us this June

   

  To put these values into action, I am inviting our entire Trust community to participate in The Great Get Together this June. It will be 10 years this year since Jo was tragically murdered, and our schools have worked incredibly hard over the past decade to keep Jo’s memory alive and to build a legacy to her by continuing some of the great work she started in Batley. These Great Get Together events are a wonderful opportunity to reject division and celebrate the connections we share.

  • Great Get Together Events: Look out for local celebrations, picnics, and community projects taking place across our schools throughout June.

  • The Run for Jo: On Sunday 21 June, we encourage you to lace up your trainers for the "Run for Jo." Whether you run, jog, or walk, it is a powerful way to stand together in solidarity and joy. There is also a 2.5km run for our youngest learners and those less keen on a longer run/walk! Sign up here: https://racebest.com/races/runforjo2026

  • The Batley Bake Off: Enter your own cake creation into our Batley Bake Off Competition held at Upper Batley High School on Thursday 25 June. 10:30am-12.30pm. There are prizes for first, second and third place.

   

  Let’s show that our Trust is more than just a collection of buildings—it is a family. I look forward to seeing you there.

   

  Together, we are stronger.

  

• Your future is bright in Batley

  Mon 27 Apr 2026

  There is a profound difference between simply "showing up" and truly belonging. When our learners, staff, and families know they have a seat at the table and a voice that matters, something shifts. They don't just occupy a desk; they stand up for what is right, speak out with confidence, and ultimately, they soar.

   

  Literacy is our core foundation in education. Belonging begins with understanding, and understanding begins with literacy. Literacy is more than just an academic skill; it is the heartbeat of wellbeing and the engine of academic success. We saw this first-hand last week at Batley Girls’ High School where a group of entrepreneurial Year 9 learners are raising funds to produce and deliver book bags and learning resources to disadvantaged children in local primary schools. No child left behind-ever. 

   

  Strong reading skills correlate directly with higher achievement across all subjects, from science to the arts. Immersing yourself in a great book reduces stress and builds empathy, providing a healthy escape and a way to process the world. It also enables you to travel to places you may otherwise never be able to afford to go. A great book opens a world of opportunities and possibilities. 

   

  Reading does more than simply improve test scores, and academic success - it expands the horizons of the human spirit. It fuels our imagination, allowing us to envisage a better and brighter future. It teaches us about the vast world beyond our doorstep and, quite literally, takes us to new places without us ever leaving our seats.

   

  Plus, as the saying goes:

   

  "Not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader."

   

  When we read, we gain the perspectives necessary to lead with compassion and intelligence. Let’s continue to build a community where every individual feels they belong, and every child has a book in their hand. Together, we aren't just educating; we are empowering the next generation.

  

• Belonging in Batley - Building Bright Futures Together

  Mon 20 Apr 2026

  At the heart of every thriving community lies a simple, powerful truth: people do their best work when they feel they truly belong.

   

  Within our Trust family of schools, "Belonging" isn’t just a buzzword it is the very foundation upon which we build everything else. Whether you are a learner in a classroom, an adult (teacher or associate staff member) dedicating your career to young minds, or a parent/carer trusting us with your child’s future—you are an essential part of this Trust family. Our Trust family of schools are more than simply a place to learn. We believe that academic success is the result of a culture where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. When a child knows they belong, they find the courage to take risks. When a staff member feels cared for, they bring their most creative and passionate selves to the job.

   

  To us, belonging means:

  • A Culture of Care: Ensuring that every individual is supported emotionally and socially, not just academically or professionally.

  • Inclusivity in Action: Celebrating the unique backgrounds and perspectives that make our Trust a vibrant, diverse community.

  • Shared Purpose: Recognising that we are all moving toward the same goal—the flourishing of our schools and our community.

   

  Belonging is the "now," but education is the "next." We want every learner to understand that their time in our schools is the architect of their future success. Education is a bridge to the future. By fostering a deep sense of security and connection today, we can empower our learners to look toward tomorrow with confidence. We show them how every lesson, every conversation, and every challenge overcome is a brick in the road to their future lives. Education isn't just about passing exams; it's about a learner discovering their place in the world and gaining the tools and skills to shape it.

   

  Our promise of belonging:

  • To our staff: You are the heartbeat of our schools. Your wellbeing and professional growth are our priorities.
  • To our parents/carers: You are our partners. Your voice matters, and your support is the wind in our sails.
  • To our learners: You are the reason we are here. You belong here, you are cared for, and your potential is limitless.

   

  Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we aren't just running schools; we are building a home for ambition, kindness, and lifelong success.

  

• Community Makes Us and unity in community is key

  Mon 13 Apr 2026

  Welcome Back! I hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating Easter break. Whether you spent the time with family and friends, time travelling, enjoying the spring air and sunshine, or simply catching up on much-needed rest, it is wonderful to see our school corridors and classrooms buzzing with energy once again. As we commence the summer term and start the final stretch of this academic year, our focus naturally shifts toward examinations, key transitions, and finishing strong. However, in a world that often feels increasingly fragmented, I believe our most important work remains the cultivation of a supportive, inclusive community where every individual can thrive. 

   

  More in Common

  This June, our schools will be proudly participating in The Great Get Together 2026. Inspired by the late Jo Cox’s belief that we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us, these events are a cornerstone of our calendar.

   

  In an era where headlines frequently highlight our differences, the Great Get Together serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. Within our schools, we see this truth every day: in the way our learners collaborate, the way our staff supports one another, and the way you, our parents/carers and partners, engage positively with us.

   

  Save the Date: June 2026

   

  We have a fantastic line up of events planned across our Trust family of schools this June, including:

   

  • The "Big Conversation" Assemblies: Learner-led sessions celebrating our diverse heritages.

  • Community Connection Projects: Working together to give back to our local areas and support local charities.

  • The Batley Bake Off: Our annual event held at Upper Batley High School which gets bigger and better, year-on-year.

  • The Run for Jo at Oakwell Hall: Bringing the whole community together for a run or walk and family fun day.

  • Step Into The Future: Where our year 6 and 7 learners all come together to meet new people and make new connections.

   

  Specific dates and times for your individual school's events will be shared in the coming weeks.

   

  "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us."

   

  Let’s carry this sentiment with us throughout the summer term. Thank you for being part of a community that chooses connection over division.

   

  Welcome back, everyone. Let’s make this final term our best one yet.