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

• 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

  

• Celebrating Our Stronger Together Work: A National Invitation

  Mon 20 Oct 2025

  I am very pleased to share some exciting news that reflects the strength of our school community and, in particular, the incredibly positive relationships we have built with you - our parents and carers.

   

  Mr Sherrard and I were invited by the Department for Education (DfE) to speak at their RISE Conference: Raising Attainment. This regional event brought together school leaders from across Yorkshire and the Humber, focusing on practical strategies to raise attainment in secondary schools.

  We were selected to contribute to the conference due to our strong and effective approach to parental engagement. The DfE has recognised the great work taking place in our school to involve families in their children’s education and believed our experience would be valuable to other school leaders across the region.

   

  This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our school, but more importantly, it was a chance to say a huge thank you to you - our parents and carers. Your ongoing support, whether through attending events, communicating with the staff team, or supporting learning at home, plays a vital role in helping our young people to succeed.

   

  We know that when schools and families work closely together, outcomes for young people improve significantly. Being asked to speak at this national event was not only a recognition of the work of our brilliant staff team, but a reflection of the strong partnership we have with you.

  The conference took place on Monday 13 October 2025 at The Royal Armouries in Leeds, and we thoroughly enjoyed representing our school community there. Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• High-Quality Careers Education and Guidance

  Mon 13 Oct 2025

  At UBHS, we are proud to offer outstanding careers provision, achieving 100% across the Gatsby Benchmarks - a standard met by only 17% of schools nationally.

   

  Our track record of excellent GCSE outcomes is underpinned by a broad, rich, and creative curriculum that promotes academic success. However, we are a school that offers far more than just academic achievement. We are deeply committed to supporting our learners in developing essential life and employability skills, broadening their horizons, and equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to succeed both beyond our school gates and in their future careers.

   

  Our dedicated Careers Team closely monitors current employment trends and skills shortages within the UK labour market. In response, we proactively embed opportunities within the curriculum to develop the skills most valued by employers, ensuring our learners are well-prepared to meet the needs of the modern workforce.

   

  Every learner has access to personalised one-to-one guidance with our Careers Adviser, who helps them map out individual career pathways and take clear steps towards their goals. This tailored support is complemented by a wide range of careers education opportunities, including:

   

  • Integration of essential skills across lessons
  • Our Skills Builder programme during tutor time
  • Mock interviews
  • Work experience placements
  • Strong partnerships with employers and higher education institutions

   

  We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a leading school for careers education. We currently have 0% NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training), meaning 100% of our learners successfully progressed to their next destination - whether that be college, sixth form, training, or employment. Nationally, the average NEET rate stands at around 5%, making our achievement particularly notable.

   

  Our commitment to excellence is further recognised by our achievement of the Quality in Careers Standard - a national award which reflects the high standard of support we provide to our learners as they prepare for a successful and fulfilling future.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• Learners Safety - Modeshift Stars Gold Award

  Mon 06 Oct 2025

  UBHS is the UK Secondary School of the year for the Modeshift STARS Education Scheme, we have Gold status which means we actively promote safe and sustainable travel, including walking and cycling to/from school. We encourage all learners to travel actively to maintain their fitness and health. This approach also plays a vital role in reducing traffic congestion around the school during peak times: 8:00–8:30 am and 3:00–3:30 pm. By choosing to walk or cycle, we collectively lessen the volume of traffic and the associated strain on our local roads.

   

  We greatly appreciate your continued support in reinforcing this agenda by encouraging your child to walk or cycle to school whenever feasible.

   

  Guidance for Drivers: Safety and Consideration
  For families who need to drive, we ask for your full cooperation in ensuring the safety of our children and maintaining a respectful relationship with our neighbours:

   

  A few reminders:
  Please remind your children to be particularly vigilant on the roads, especially as the evenings draw in. They should always look both ways before crossing and utilise bright or reflective clothing when walking or cycling to enhance their visibility.

   

  When dropping off or collecting your child, please do not block residents' driveways or park illegally (e.g., on double yellow lines or on the zigzag markings outside the school entrance). These measures are in place for safety and to respect our community.

  If driving is unavoidable, we strongly recommend considering parking slightly away from the school site. By parking a few streets away and walking the final short distance, you significantly ease congestion directly outside the school gates, making the environment much safer for all our children.

   

  It is also crucial that parents/carers don’t come up the school drive each morning to drop their child off as this causes unnecessary problems for staff and visitors to access the school site.  

  Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making the UBHS community a safer and more considerate environment for everyone.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• The Phoenix Project: Let's Rebuild Our Forest School Together

  Mon 29 Sep 2025

  It is with immense sadness that I share some difficult news: over the summer, our beloved Forest School and outdoor classroom were tragically destroyed by a fire caused by vandals.

   

  This isn't just a physical space; it was a vital hub where learners from Year 7 to Year 11 developed essential life skills, built resilience, and found a safe haven. Seeing years of hard work reduced to ashes has been heart-breaking for our staff and, especially, our young people.

   

  The Phoenix Project: Turning Tragedy into Triumph
  We are absolutely determined to turn this devastating loss into a powerful new beginning, which we are proudly naming The Phoenix Project. Our goal isn't just to replace what was lost, but to make our new Forest School bigger and better - a symbol of community spirit rising from the ashes.

   

  As Helen Keller once wisely said: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." We are reaching out to our amazing parents, carers, and the wider community to help us achieve this vision.

   

  How You Can Support The Phoenix Project
  This ambitious rebuild requires us all working together:

   

  1. Donate to Our Fundraiser
  Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us get closer to bringing this special place back for our learners. Please spread the word. Click here to donate to our GoFundMe page

   

  2. Volunteer Your Skills
  If you have skills in building, landscaping, security, or simply a willingness to lend a hand, your time and effort are just as valuable. Please contact the school office if you can help with the rebuild.

   

  Thank you for your support. Together, we will transform this setback into a positive force that unites our school and community, creating a wonderful new future for our Forest School through The Phoenix Project.

   

  

• A Culture of Growth and High Standards

  Mon 22 Sep 2025

  Our school culture is built on a shared commitment to helping every learner become the best version of themselves, both academically and personally, each and every day. We believe in fostering an environment that encourages all learners to strive for excellence and to take ownership of their own growth.

  Our dedicated staff team works incredibly hard to foster an encouraging atmosphere where learners can build confidence, develop essential skills, and truly flourish. This includes setting and upholding high standards for work ethic and behaviour at all times. These expectations are not just rules; they are the foundations of a successful learning community, empowering all learners to consistently deliver their best. In school, we expect every learner to be present, to be on time and to give it their all each and every day. 

  Last week, we focused on RESPECT as a theme in our assemblies- Respect Self, Respect Environment and Respect Community. This week’s theme is Challenge and in lessons, we will be focusing on building resilience and independent learning skills to help learners become more resilient in their approach when facing challenging tasks and activities across school. 

   

  Mr Aman Singh Kang - Headteacher

  

• Why Attendance Matters

  Mon 15 Sep 2025

  Attending school every day is one of the most important factors for a child's academic success. Consistent attendance isn't just about showing up; it's about building a strong foundation for learning and future achievement.

   

  Learners who attend school consistently don't just get better grades - they also make better overall progress. We want to celebrate this commitment to learning, and that's why our school rewards scheme is designed to recognise and reward excellent attendance and punctuality. Learners with good attendance records can earn a spot on our special end-of-term trips and celebrations. These events are a highlight of the school year, and we want every learner to have the chance to earn their place.

   

  Remember to start every day on time. We expect all learners to be in school and ready to learn by 8:25am, sharp. Please help us ensure your child is on time each morning, ready for the day ahead.

   

  On the flip side, missed school days can have a major impact. Even a few days of absence can create significant gaps in learning that are incredibly difficult to close. This can hinder a child's progress and negatively affect their outcomes, especially as they get closer to their GCSE examinations. Please consider the long-term consequences of every day your child misses.

   

  Last year, we were honoured to be recognised by the Fischer Family Trust Foundation (FFT) for being in the top 25% of all schools nationally for our overall attendance. We were so proud of this achievement, but this year, we want our attendance to be even better.

   

  Ultimately, excellent attendance is a powerful partnership between the school and you, our parents and carers. We need your active support in making sure your child is in school every day, on time, and ready to learn. By working together, we can ensure every learner has the best possible chance to reach their full potential and thrive.

   

  Mr Aman Singh Kang

  

• A very warm welcome back to school everyone!

  Mon 08 Sep 2025

  As we begin the new academic year, we're not just starting another term; we're embarking on a new chapter filled with possibilities for every member of our school community - learners and staff alike. Building on the successes of the last year, where our learners demonstrated incredible progress in both their academic and personal growth, we have a bold vision for the future.

  Our school vision is that every young person, regardless of their starting point or background, receives a high-quality education, coupled with first-class care, guidance, and support. This is a mission that our highly skilled and dedicated staff team embraces every day. They truly care for each learner, supporting them at every step of their journey. They inspire our students to be curious, to innovate, and to become exceptional members of our community, all while upholding our core values: Believe, Achieve, Succeed.

  We are excited to continue our partnership with parents and carers to help your child live their dreams and achieve great things. As I often say, "Every new beginning holds the promise of greatness. This year, we will inspire, challenge, and support our learners to reach for their highest potential, fostering a community where everyone can flourish."

   

  Mr Aman Singh Kang