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