CEO Blog

• 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.

  

• Celebrations this Weekend

  Mon 23 Mar 2026
  We have so much to celebrate across our Trust family of schools this week. Myself and Rajinder, our brilliant Trust SEND and Safeguarding Lead were asked by Optimum Education to speak at a national conference in Manchester last week to share the great work being undertaken across our Trust family of schools on ensuring we always deliver a first-class education for all learners, including those with SEND. 

   

  Field Lane held their first ever Iftar event and the school hall was absolutely packed with family and friends of the school. The children were excellent, and very confident in delivering superb performances; our learners in Reception were truly excellent. A wonderful evening was had by all, and this was a great precursor to Eid celebrations all across our community this weekend.

   

  Batley Girls' High School then achieved national success with Afeefah competing in the Historical Association's national finals of the Great Debate. Afeefah was awarded a special commendation award. She came in the top 4 of 21. She was absolutely brilliant and will be sent a certificate and appear on the Historical Association's website. We are all incredibly proud of Afeefah and she is a winner in our eyes. Well done, Afeefah!

  

• Much to Celebrate

  Mon 16 Mar 2026

  This week we have so much to celebrate across our Trust family of schools. We have excellent attendance with our whole community demonstrating the importance of High Attendance = High Achievement. Thank you to all parents/carers who ensure their child attends school each and every day.

   

  Batley Girls' High School are launching a superb new framework all about Belonging In Batley. This work is based on educational research, and evidence-informed practice and is all about how a fantastic curriculum, coupled with engaging enrichment experiences supports young people to thrive academically and personally. Watch this space for further details in the coming weeks.

   

  Myself and our Trust SEND lead are speaking at a national conference in Manchester on Thursday about how to deliver great SEND provision across a Trust family of schools. We are delighted to share our work in Batley more widely across the sector. 

   

  Then, at the end of the week many members of our school and local community will be celebrating Eid. Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating and we wish our whole community good health, peace and happiness this week and always. 

  

• Attendance Guardians

  Mon 09 Mar 2026
  Attendance continues to thrive across our Trust family of schools, with every school improving their attendance each week. Field Lane School was celebrating their high attendance scores last week (a superb 98%), as well as having a fantastic careers week filled with exciting, enriching and inspiring activities for national careers week.

   

  Field Lane Airlines had pilots and airline staff, there were fashion designers, florists, engineers, doctors, nurses, care workers, teachers, footballers, dentists, a marine biologist and a paleontologist showcasing a vast array of fossils! A really diverse and exciting range of careers were on offer from visiting speakers and from the learning activities planned across the school week. The Batley Buzz was evident on every corridor, every classroom and all across the school site.

   

  Field Lane is also currently raising money to help transform their main school hall into a more engaging and inspiring learning space. Fundraising is going well and if you are keen to help them please make a donation on their Go Fund Me page and we will keep you updated over the coming months on our progress on this transformation of this really well used learning environment. The Trust is supporting this redevelopment project in the school and we hope the works can take place this summer so we have a fully refurbished school hall in place for September 2026. This isn’t just a refurbishment, it's an investment in Field Lane learners’ confidence, creativity and wellbeing. The new learning space in the main school hall will reflect the school's S.T.A.R values, their ambition and their vision: To grow Field Lane into a world-class school where all learners and colleagues are known, nurtured, challenged and inspired. Every donation – big or small – helps move us closer to a hall that our learners and community can be proud of for many years to come.