Read all about the latest news and activities happening, and reasons to celebrate our school in the below Headteacher's blog.

• Upper Batley High School - Employer of the year 2026

  Mon 15 Jun 2026

  At Upper Batley High School, everything we do is focused on helping, supporting and guiding our learners to achieve their very best. Alongside providing excellent opportunities for young people, we are equally committed to developing our staff team to ensure they have the skills, knowledge and experience needed to deliver the highest quality education and care.

   

  Professional development is a key priority within our school. In addition to our extensive programme of internal training, many colleagues undertake nationally recognised qualifications, including National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), to further enhance their expertise and leadership skills. More recently, a number of colleagues have also been completing apprenticeship programmes, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

   

  I am delighted to share that Upper Batley High School has recently been awarded Small Employer of the Year 2026 through the Apprenticeship Awards at the University of Huddersfield. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects our commitment to investing in our people and creating opportunities for professional growth.

   

  Most importantly, this award is a testament to the incredible hard work, dedication and commitment shown by colleagues across the school every day. Their passion and expertise make a real difference to the lives of our learners, and we are incredibly proud of all they do to support our school community.

   

  Thank you, as always, for your continued support. By working together and continuing to invest in both our learners and staff, we can ensure every young person at Upper Batley High School has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• Building Character for Life

  Mon 08 Jun 2026

  "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." – John Dewey

   

  At Upper Batley High School, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. Whilst academic achievement remains an important part of every learner's journey, we are equally committed to helping young people develop the personal qualities, values and character traits that will enable them to thrive throughout their lives.

  The world our learners will enter is constantly evolving. Success in the future will require much more than qualifications alone.

   

  Employers, universities and communities increasingly value qualities such as resilience, kindness, integrity, adaptability and confidence. These attributes help young people navigate challenges, build positive relationships and make meaningful contributions to society.

   

  Character development is embedded into everyday life in school. Through lessons, enrichment opportunities, leadership roles and wider school experiences, learners are encouraged to develop a strong sense of responsibility, empathy and self-belief. We want every young person to understand not only what they can achieve, but also the positive impact they can have on others.

   

  One of the most rewarding aspects of school life is witnessing learners grow in confidence and maturity. Whether they are supporting their peers, representing the school, participating in community projects or stepping outside their comfort zone to try something new, these experiences help shape the individuals they become.

   

  We are proud to provide opportunities that encourage learners to develop important life skills. Through teamwork, problem-solving, communication and leadership experiences, they learn to work effectively with others, overcome obstacles and approach challenges with determination. These are skills that will benefit them long after they leave our school gates.

   

  At Upper Batley High School, we strive to create a culture where kindness is valued, effort is celebrated and every learner feels empowered to succeed. We believe that by developing character alongside academic achievement, we are equipping young people with the tools they need not only to achieve success, but to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• A Foundation for Success – Curriculum at Upper Batley High School

  Mon 01 Jun 2026

  “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” - William Butler Yeats

   

  At Upper Batley High School, we are incredibly proud of the rich and bespoke curriculum we provide for our learners. As William Butler Yeats so powerfully expressed, education should ignite curiosity and inspire a passion for learning: a principle that sits at the very heart of everything we do.

   

  Our commitment to excellence extends far beyond academic achievement. We aim to nurture individual talents, develop confidence and equip our young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

  Our curriculum is broad, balanced and inclusive, offering a wide range of subjects designed to both challenge and inspire. From traditional academic studies to vocational pathways, every learner is given the opportunity to explore their interests, discover their strengths and fulfil their potential.

   

  Whilst we celebrate the excellent outcomes and strong progress achieved by our learners, our vision for education is a holistic one. We firmly believe that developing the whole child is just as important as academic success. In keeping with Yeats’ idea of “lighting a fire”, our curriculum encourages learners to become curious, resilient and ambitious young people who are eager to grow and succeed.

   

  Through their learning experiences, learners develop essential life skills including resilience, communication, teamwork and problem-solving: qualities that are vital for future learning, employment and personal growth.

   

  Learning at Upper Batley is engaging, dynamic and purposeful. Our classrooms are vibrant spaces where innovation and curiosity thrive, and we are fortunate to make full use of our outstanding facilities to enhance the learning experience. Whether exploring the natural world through Forest School, developing responsibility within our Barnyard and Horticulture areas, expressing creativity in Food Technology, or building confidence and wellbeing in the school gym, every environment offers valuable opportunities for learning and development.

   

  We remain committed to ensuring that every young person benefits from meaningful and memorable experiences that support their academic, social and emotional growth. Thank you, as always, for your continued support as we work together to empower every learner to become the very best version of themselves.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• Using Technology in School

  Mon 18 May 2026

  At UBHS, we recognise the many benefits that developments in technology can bring to both school and home life. In school, we use a range of digital tools including reading devices, specialist software and artificial intelligence applications to support high-quality teaching and learning.

   

  However, we are also mindful that technology can sometimes have a negative impact on young people, particularly when it becomes a distraction to learning or affects wellbeing. For this reason, we continue to work closely with parents and carers to ensure that technology is used positively and responsibly.

   

  We would like to thank all parents and carers for supporting our home-school agreement, particularly in relation to the use of mobile phones in school.

   

  You may have seen recent national discussions regarding mobile phone use in schools, including concerns about distractions to learning and the impact that social media can have on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. We are pleased to say that mobile phones do not present a significant issue at UBHS. This is due to the strong support we receive from parents and carers, alongside the consistent approach taken by staff in following our school policies and procedures. Learners fully understand that they cannot use their mobile phone within the school grounds (inside the green gated areas).  

   

  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of our school community for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated and plays an important role in maintaining the positive learning environment we value at UBHS.

  Further information can be found below:

  • DfE
    DfE guidance on mobile phones in schools
     
  • UBHS
    UBHS Home-School Agreement

  

• Together We Make a Huge Difference

  Mon 11 May 2026

  At Upper Batley High School, we place great importance on the views of our parents, carers and learners. We actively listen to your feedback and use it to shape the improvements we make as a school. While we are proud to be a strong, oversubscribed and successful school, we are equally committed to continual development, ensuring that we provide the very best education for every young person in our care.

   

  Our dedicated staff team works tirelessly to deliver high-quality teaching, excellent pastoral support and a wide range of enriching opportunities. We are guided by evidence-informed practice and a clear focus on what has the greatest impact on learning. This commitment enables us not only to maintain our strengths, but to keep improving further.

   

  As Headteacher, I greatly value your perspective as we continue this journey. We would be very grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete a short survey, sharing your experiences and suggesting where we can develop further. We also seek and act on the views of our learners, ensuring that their voices help shape the school they experience every day.

   

  Your feedback is vital. By working together, we can build on what is already a great school and make it even better for the young people in our community. Our learners deserve nothing less than the very best, and we remain fully committed to achieving this each and every day.

   

  Please spend 10 minutes of your time completing this short survey.
  https://edurio.com/teacher/poll/7djSsx

   

  Thank you for your continued support.

  
  Aman Singh Kang

  

• Wellbeing at Upper Batley High School

  Tue 05 May 2026

  At Upper Batley High School, supporting our learners’ mental health and wellbeing is part of everyday life. We know that when young people feel safe, understood and supported, they are far more able to succeed, and this belief underpins everything we do.

   

  Our dedicated staff work hard to ensure every learner feels valued and listened to. We recognise that each individual is different, so we provide the care, guidance and encouragement needed to help them thrive both academically and personally. Our facilities play an important role in this, allowing us to offer a broad, engaging curriculum that supports emotional as well as academic development.

   

  Opportunities such as our Forest School, Barnyard, horticulture area, Zen Den and on-site gym are embedded into school life. These experiences help learners to build resilience, develop confidence and find a sense of calm, while also encouraging teamwork, responsibility and perseverance.

   

  We also understand that school life can sometimes feel challenging, particularly during exams and assessments. That is why we regularly support learners in developing practical strategies to manage stress and look after their mental health, while ensuring they always know where to turn for help.

   

  This is strengthened by our strong support network. Our designated Safeguarding Leads, Pastoral team, SEND provision, school Counsellor and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) work closely together to provide consistent, trusted support so that every learner feels secure and able to engage positively with their learning.

   

  At Upper Batley, wellbeing is woven through our curriculum and daily interactions. Whether learners are developing descriptive writing in English, solving problems in Maths, learning outdoors, or caring for animals, they are continually developing the resilience, confidence and empathy needed for life beyond school.

   

  We are proud that our work in this area is recognised as best practice, including our Gold status from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. Most importantly, we remain committed to ensuring that every learner feels supported, valued and ready to succeed each day.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• Sense of Community and Belonging

  Mon 27 Apr 2026

  At Upper Batley High School, we are continually impressed by the determination shown by our Year 11 learners as they prepare for their GCSE examinations. Alongside a wide range of revision sessions before and after school, learners are also benefiting from an initiative led by their peers.

   

  Our Year 11 Learner Leadership group has taken a proactive role in establishing and running a dedicated revision room during break and lunch times. This learner-led space provides a calm, purposeful environment where learners can focus, collaborate, and support one another.

   

  This initiative highlights the group’s strong sense of responsibility. They have shown real initiative in identifying the need for additional revision support, alongside effective leadership in guiding their peers. Their organisational skills have ensured the room runs smoothly each day, creating a consistent and supportive atmosphere for all who attend.

   

  Importantly, this work reflects the strong sense of belonging our learners feel within the school community. Their willingness to give back, support others, and take ownership of such an initiative speaks volumes about their connection to the school and to one another. It is this shared sense of pride and belonging that has driven them to create something so positive and impactful.

  What stands out most is the sense of community they have built where learners encourage each other, share ideas, and grow in confidence together.

   

  I am incredibly proud of the example these learners are setting. They truly reflect the values of our school.

   

  Please find next week’s newsletter for your approval.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• A Culture of Respect, High Expectations and Achievement

  Mon 20 Apr 2026

  At Upper Batley, everything we do is rooted in a clear and unwavering culture: work hard, achieve highly, and be recognised for success. From the very first day of term, we set the highest expectations for all our learners. We believe that every child can succeed, and we are committed to providing the structure, support and encouragement needed to make that a reality. Central to this is our culture of respect. We explicitly teach and promote:

   

  • Respect for Self
  • Respect for the Environment
  • Respect for the Community

   

  These values are not just words; they underpin every aspect of school life. They shape how we learn, how we behave, and how we treat one another. We expect our learners to demonstrate respect at all times, and in doing so, they contribute to a calm, purposeful and ambitious environment where everyone can thrive.

   

  We are incredibly proud of our dedicated staff team, who work tirelessly to uphold these standards and model these values each day. Their commitment ensures that our school remains a place where hard work is the norm, achievement is celebrated, and every individual feels valued.

   

  As we move further into the term, your support remains vital. By reinforcing these expectations at home- encouraging resilience, positive habits and a strong commitment to learning you help us to maintain the high standards that enable every child to succeed.

  Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• High Attendance Makes a Huge Difference

  Mon 13 Apr 2026

  Welcome back everyone. I hope you have had a lovely Easter break.
  
  High attendance at school is one of the most important factors in a young person’s success. It is not simply about being present or following rules; it is about ensuring learners have consistent access to high-quality teaching, structured routines, and the supportive relationships that enable them to thrive both academically and personally.

   

  When learners attend school every day, they build knowledge step by step. Lessons are carefully sequenced, particularly at GCSE level, so that new learning builds directly on what has come before. If a learner misses even a single day, they risk missing key concepts that underpin future lessons. Over time, these gaps in knowledge can grow, making it harder to keep up, reducing confidence, and increasing the likelihood of disengagement. Quite simply, learning is cumulative, and absence interrupts that process.

   

  The impact of attendance on GCSE outcomes is significant and well established. Learners with strong attendance are far more likely to achieve higher grades, as they benefit from continuous teaching, guided practice, and timely feedback. In contrast, those with lower attendance often struggle to reach their full potential because they have missed essential parts of the curriculum. These differences in attainment do not just affect exam results; they shape future pathways into sixth form, apprenticeships, university, and employment.

   

  Attendance also has a long-term impact beyond school. Strong GCSE results open doors to further education and skilled career opportunities, which in turn are linked to higher lifetime earnings. Conversely, persistent absence can limit these opportunities, leading to fewer qualifications and reduced earning potential over time. In this way, every day in school is an investment in a young person’s future.

   

  We are proud to celebrate learners who demonstrate commitment to their education. This term, those who achieve 98% attendance or above, alongside excellent behaviour, will be invited to attend our end-of-term celebration events. These rewards recognise sustained effort, positive choices, and a strong dedication to learning, and we hope as many learners as possible will earn the opportunity to take part.

   

  Excellent attendance is a shared responsibility between home and school. By working together to prioritise being in school every day, we can ensure that every learner has the best possible chance to succeed both in their GCSEs and in the opportunities that follow.
  
  Aman Singh Kang

  

• A ‘can do’ Mindset

  Fri 27 Mar 2026

  At UBHS, we value hard work and resilience as the foundations of success. In school and in life, challenges are inevitable. Sometimes we navigate them with ease; other times they test us deeply. What matters is that we keep moving forward because through perseverance, we grow and ultimately succeed.

   

  I am delighted to share a powerful example of this in action from one of our own, Mr Wayne Linney. Over nine months, he committed to training six days a week in preparation for the CrossFit Open 2026. Along the way, he overcame mental barriers, particularly around age and fitness, by adopting a determined, “can-do” attitude.

   

  Mr Linney credits his work with learners at UBHS as a key influence in strengthening this mindset. Every day, our learners show resilience as they face their own challenges, reminding us all of the importance of perseverance and belief.

   

  His journey demonstrates that resilience is not just about facing difficulty, but learning from it and continuing forward with purpose.

   

  We are incredibly proud of Mr Linney’s achievement. He truly embodies the values we promote at UBHS. Well done, Mr Linney - you are an inspiration to us all.

   

  Monday 13 April - I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the first day back after Easter is a 9.30am start for ALL learners. Have a lovely Easter break.

   

  Mr Aman Singh Kang