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

• Celebrating Success

  Mon 24 Nov 2025

  Last week, we had the privilege of hosting our annual Presentation Evening. It was a truly uplifting occasion that showcased the exceptional achievements, progress, and dedication of our learners throughout the 2024/25 academic year. It was a brilliant celebration of hard work and aspiration, and a powerful reminder to our younger learners of what can be accomplished with perseverance and commitment.

   

  Expertly hosted by our Deputy Headteacher, Mr Farrar, the evening saw more than 250 awards presented to both current and former learners. We were delighted to welcome our Chair of Governors, Mr Geoff Alvy, who shared thoughtful reflections on the year, as well as our guest speaker, Mr Shahid Akhtar, a former learner from the Class of 2004 and now a NHS Practice/Operations Manager. His inspiring words showed exactly where determination, resilience, and a passion for learning can lead.

   

  Selecting learners for special recognition is never an easy task. Our staff team carefully considers not only academic achievement, but also the dedication, character, and sheer effort that each learner brings to their studies. Those who received awards truly stood out, demonstrating commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to push themselves further.

   

  I am immensely proud of all our award winners and of every learner who continues to strive for excellence. I challenge each of you to build on this year’s successes and aim even higher in the months ahead.

   

  My sincere thanks also go to our parents and carers for their continued support, and to our outstanding staff team, whose unwavering dedication ensures that every learner receives a high-quality education, every single day.

   

  It was an evening filled with pride, inspiration, and hope- a reminder of the bright futures our learners are working so hard to create.
  
  Aman Singh Kang

  

• Remembrance and Respect

  Mon 17 Nov 2025

  Last week at Upper Batley High School we came together as a community to mark Remembrance. Our assemblies provided an important opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of all those who have lost their lives in conflict. Learners across the school took part in the two-minute silence and engaged in thoughtful activities exploring what remembrance means today.

   

  As part of our commemoration, Mr Linney, Forest School and Computing teacher took on the Chad 1000X challenge – 1,000 box step-ups in honour of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, who sadly lost his life in 2018 after battling the invisible wounds of war. This test of physical and mental resilience reminded us all of the importance of perseverance, empathy, and supporting those who may struggle in silence. A huge thank you and well done to Mr Linney for his hard work and dedication in completing this meaningful challenge.

   

  At a time when there is much conflict around the world, we continue to remind our learners of the importance of respect, kindness and understanding. Here at Upper Batley High School, we value the diversity of our community and recognise that our different beliefs and backgrounds are something to unite us, not divide us.

   

  As the late Jo Cox said, “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.” This message remains central to our values, and it has been heartening to see our learners demonstrate such empathy and maturity this week.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• Upper Batley and International Links

  Mon 10 Nov 2025

  At Upper Batley High School, we are always proud to share the fantastic work that takes place across our school community each and every day. Alongside our ongoing commitment to delivering the very best education possible for all our learners, last week was a particularly exciting one for us.

   

  We had the pleasure of welcoming a group of Headteachers, CEOs, and educational leaders from India into school. The purpose of their visit was to discuss and explore some of the highly effective teaching and learning strategies we use here at Upper Batley, and to share best practice between our two countries. Our visitors were extremely impressed by the work taking place across the school, particularly the way our staff support learners throughout their five-year journey with us and beyond. They commented on the strong sense of community, ambition, and care that shines through everything we do–feedback that makes us all immensely proud.

   

  In addition, we were honoured to welcome Baroness Royall to Upper Batley High School last week. She was particularly keen to meet with some of our Key Stage 4 learners to hear first-hand about their experiences of education here. As always, our learners represented the school superbly, articulating their thoughts with confidence and maturity. Baroness Royall was so impressed that she has invited the group to visit the Houses of Parliament in the new year which is a wonderful opportunity that I know they are all very excited about.

   

  What a fantastic start to the new half term it has been! These visits highlight not only the high regard in which our school is held, but also the exceptional qualities of our learners and staff team. I would like to thank everyone involved for making these visits such a success and for continuing to demonstrate what makes Upper Batley High School such a special place to learn and work.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• The Leaders of Tomorrow

  Mon 03 Nov 2025

  We are passionate about preparing our learners to become the leaders of tomorrow - confident, responsible individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in the world around them.

   

  We encourage all learners to be independent and take ownership of their learning and personal growth. Our school values - Believe, Achieve, Succeed - underpin this approach, empowering learners to develop a strong sense of self and strive to be the very best version of themselves, both in and out of the classroom.

   

  Through our Skills Builder programme, learners are challenged to think critically, adapt to change, and develop resilience - all key qualities of effective leadership. We know that true leadership is not simply about taking charge; it’s about commitment, integrity, perseverance, and maintaining a positive, solution-focused attitude, especially in the face of adversity.

   

  These essential skills and attitudes are visible every day in the way our learners engage in lessons. They are also brought to life through a wide range of enriching opportunities that develop leadership in action, including:

   

  • Contributing to School Council strategy meetings

  • Taking on roles as Sports Captains and Leaders

  • Leading whole-school assemblies

  • Being active members of the Interact Club

  • Supporting as Classroom Monitors

  • Supporting at Breakfast Club

  • Representing UBHS at community events

  • Standing for Head Learner elections

  • Participating in work placements

  • Gaining experience as Reception Apprentices

  • Acting as Metal Health and Wellbeing Mentors

  • Sitting on learner panels during staff interviews

  • Taking part in debating competitions

  • Representing at Trust wide events

   

  These roles not only allow learners to practice leadership in real-life contexts but also foster teamwork, empathy, and a sense of service to the school community. We are incredibly proud of the maturity and enthusiasm with which our learners embrace these opportunities. As Nelson Mandela once said “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”, by instilling leadership qualities from an early stage, we are helping to shape responsible, forward-thinking individuals who are well-prepared for future education, careers, and life in a rapidly changing world.

   

  Aman Singh Kang