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

• Bringing Our Community Together

  Mon 29 Jun 2026

  One of the things that makes Upper Batley High School so special is the strength of our community. This past week has provided a wonderful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared sense of purpose, kindness and belonging.

   

  Last weekend, learners, staff, families and members of our wider community joined colleagues from across our Trust schools to take part in the annual Run for Jo at Oakwell Hall. This year was particularly poignant as it marked the 10th anniversary of the passing of our former local MP, Jo Cox. The event brought together hundreds of people from across the region to celebrate Jo's legacy and the values she championed throughout her life.

   

  Jo's famous words continue to resonate today:

   

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

   

  These words have never felt more relevant. The Run for Jo was not simply about completing a distance; it was about coming together, supporting one another and demonstrating the power of community.

   

  We continued this spirit of togetherness last week with our annual Batley Bake Off, held as part of the nationwide Great Get Together celebrations inspired by Jo's legacy. The event was a tremendous success, bringing together learners, colleagues, families and guests for an afternoon filled with creativity, conversation and, of course, some fantastic baking.

   

  We were honoured to welcome Jo's parents, Gordon and Jean, alongside Jo's sister, MP Kim Leadbeater, who kindly joined the judging panel. Their presence made the occasion even more special and helped reinforce the importance of the values that underpin the Great Get Together.

   

  Whilst there were prizes to be won and some outstanding cakes on display, the true purpose of the event was never really about competition. Instead, it was about creating opportunities for people to connect, share experiences and strengthen the bonds that make our school and local community such a welcoming place. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying each other's company and celebrating what unites us.

   

  As we move towards the end of another busy academic year, events such as these remind us that schools are about much more than education alone. They are at the heart of their communities, bringing people together, creating lasting memories and helping young people understand the importance of compassion, inclusion and service to others.

   

  Thank you to everyone who participated in the Run for Jo, entered the Batley Bake Off, supported the events or simply took the time to come together with others. By doing so, you have helped keep Jo's legacy alive and demonstrated the very best of what our community stands for.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• Upper Batley Receives Eco-Schools Green Flag Award Again

  Mon 22 Jun 2026

  I am delighted to share some more fantastic news with our school community. Upper Batley High School has once again been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, with Distinction (the highest grade possible).

   

  This nationally recognised award celebrates the commitment of schools to environmental education, sustainability and positive action. Achieving Green Flag status is a significant accomplishment in itself, but receiving the Distinction grade reflects the exceptional efforts of our learners and staff in promoting environmental responsibility across the school.

   

  At Upper Batley, we believe it is important that our learners develop an understanding of the challenges facing our world and recognise the role they can play in creating a more sustainable future. Through a range of projects, initiatives and curriculum opportunities, our learners have demonstrated a genuine commitment to making a positive difference both within school and in the wider community.

   

  This work is superbly led by Miss Woods, whose passion, expertise and dedication have been instrumental in driving our environmental agenda forward. Through her leadership, our learners have been provided with a wealth of opportunities to engage with sustainability issues and take meaningful action to improve our school environment and wider community.

   

  This award is recognition of the collective efforts of everyone involved. I would like to thank Miss Woods, our Eco Committee and all colleagues and learners who have worked so hard to support environmental initiatives throughout the year. Their enthusiasm, creativity and determination have been key to achieving this outstanding result.

   

  Receiving the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction once again demonstrates our commitment to being responsible, ambitious and environmentally conscious. It is an achievement of which we can all be extremely proud.

   

  Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you for continuing to make Upper Batley High School a school that cares not only about the success of our learners, but also about the future of our planet.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• 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