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

• Celebrations of Excellence

  Thu 16 Jul 2026

  As we reach the end of another successful academic year, I would like to thank you for your continued support. The strong partnership between home and school plays a vital role in helping our learners thrive, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do to support Upper Batley High School.

   

  This week has been a wonderful way to end the year. Through our Celebration of Excellence days, organised by Mr Farooq, we have recognised the hard work, resilience, commitment and positive attitudes of our learners. It has been fantastic to come together as one big family to celebrate the achievements and successes of our young people. Events such as these remind us that everything we do throughout the year comes together to support our shared values of helping every learner to Believe, Achieve and Succeed.

   

  We also enjoyed our annual Sports Days, held across Wednesday and Thursday to ensure everyone could participate safely during the warm weather. Thank you to Mr Bamfield and the PE team for organising two excellent mornings of sporting activities. It was wonderful to see so many learners demonstrating teamwork, resilience and excellent sportsmanship.

   

  A sincere thank you also goes to the parents/carers who supported the Sports Day bake sale. Thanks to your generosity, £352.70 was raised towards the forthcoming Netherlands football residential.

  Thank you to Mr Akram for organising this successful fundraiser.

   

  Looking back over the year, there is so much to be proud of. Our learners have achieved success both inside and outside the classroom, and our school has received a number of awards and accreditations that reflect the dedication of our staff, the support of our families and the commitment of our learners. Together, we have continued to strengthen our school community and create opportunities that enable our young people to flourish.

   

  As the summer holidays begin, I wish all our families a safe, happy and restful break. Please encourage your child to stay safe, enjoy time with family and friends, and return in September refreshed and ready for another successful year.

   

  September Return to School

  We look forward to welcoming learners back on Thursday 3 September.

  • Year 7: Arrive by 8.25am
  • Years 8 to 11: Arrive by 10.00am

   

  Thank you once again for your continued support throughout the year. Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in September.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• Next Milestones

  Mon 13 Jul 2026

  The past week has been one of celebration, reflection and new beginnings at Upper Batley High School.

   

  We were delighted to celebrate our Year 11 learners at their Leavers' Celebration held at Lakeside, Ponderosa in Heckmondwike. It was a wonderful occasion that gave us the opportunity to recognise the achievements, resilience and character of a truly special year group as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives.

   

  The event featured heartfelt speeches from Mr Parkin, Assistant Headteacher, and Mrs Dent, Year 11 Leader, who reflected on the many memorable moments and successes our learners have experienced during their time at Upper Batley High School. A range of awards were also presented to learners in recognition of their commitment, achievements and contributions to school life. It was a fitting way to celebrate all that they have accomplished, and we wish every one of them the very best as they move on to further education, apprenticeships or employment. We look forward to welcoming them back on GCSE Results Day and celebrating their successes together.

   

  As one chapter comes to an end, another begins. We were equally pleased to welcome our new Year 7 learners into school for their Transition Day. It was fantastic to see them embracing their first experience of secondary school with such enthusiasm, confidence and curiosity. Throughout the day they met their new teachers, experienced lessons, made new friendships and began to familiarise themselves with their new school environment.

   

  Earlier in the week, we were delighted to welcome parents, carers and families to our Transition Evening. This provided an excellent opportunity to share our expectations, values and vision for the years ahead, whilst ensuring families felt informed and supported as their children prepare to join our school community in September.

   

  Starting secondary school is a significant milestone for both learners and their families. We are excited to work in partnership with our new Year 7 families and look forward to supporting every learner as they grow academically, socially and personally during their time at Upper Batley High School.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• A Provision of Excellence

  Mon 06 Jul 2026

  This week has been another wonderful reminder of the talent, dedication and commitment of colleagues across Upper Batley High School and I am delighted to share two pieces of fantastic news with our school community.

   

  Firstly, I would like to congratulate two outstanding members of our SEND team, Gemma Sinclair and Denita Raw, who were nominated by Kirklees Local Authority for the prestigious Jaz High Five Excellence Award. This award recognises individuals who go above and beyond to make a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.

   

  The awards ceremony took place at Huddersfield University, where the inspirational Dr Jaz Ampaw-Farr personally presented Gemma and Denita with their certificates. It was a fitting celebration of the incredible work they do every single day to ensure that our learners receive the care, encouragement and support they need to thrive both academically and personally.

   

  Anyone who has worked alongside Gemma and Denita knows the genuine passion, compassion and determination they bring to their roles. They consistently place the needs of our young people at the heart of everything they do, building positive relationships with families and ensuring that every learner is given the opportunity to succeed. Their nomination and recognition are thoroughly deserved, and we are immensely proud of both colleagues for representing Upper Batley High School so brilliantly.

   

  I am also delighted to share some excellent news from our Science Department. Our Senior Science Technician, Terri Halliday, has successfully secured £2,500 through the Sea-Changers Main Grant programme. This funding will be used to enhance the equipment available within our Science Department, providing our learners with even greater opportunities to experience practical, engaging and high-quality science lessons.

   

  This is a fantastic achievement and reflects Terri's commitment to continually improving the learning experiences we provide for our learners. By securing this external funding, she has helped ensure that our young people will benefit from improved resources that will support their scientific curiosity, practical skills and understanding for years to come.

   

  These achievements perfectly reflect the values we hold as a school. Whether it is supporting our most vulnerable learners or creating exciting opportunities within the classroom, our colleagues consistently demonstrate exceptional professionalism, care and ambition for every child.

   

  I hope you will join me in congratulating Gemma, Denita and Terri on their outstanding achievements. They are a real credit to our school and wonderful examples of the positive difference that dedicated staff can make every single day.

   

  Aman Singh Kang