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

• 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