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

• A New Year and a Fresh Start

  Mon 05 Jan 2026

  Happy New Year and a very warm welcome back to all our learners and families. We hope the year has started well for you and that everyone returned refreshed and ready for the term ahead.

   

  It has been wonderful to welcome learners back into school and to see the positive, purposeful atmosphere across our community. Our learners have returned committed, hardworking and with a strong desire to do well, and this has been evident in classrooms, corridors and assemblies. They have quickly re-established routines and are approaching their learning with focus, maturity and ambition.

   

  We began the term with year group assemblies on Monday morning, where we reinforced the school’s high expectations and the importance of always presenting the very best version of ourselves. Looking ahead, we are also pleased to share that next term we will be introducing more Reward Days to celebrate those learners who consistently meet our expectations. Learners with above 98% attendance and low behaviour points will be recognised and rewarded for their commitment and positive choices. We believe it is vital to celebrate success and to acknowledge those who strive to do the right thing every day.

   

  We had an absolutely brilliant 2025, and the start to this year gives us every confidence that we can build on that success. Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Together, we look forward to making 2026 a fantastic year for everyone in our school community.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• Goodbye 2025 and Welcome 2026

  Fri 19 Dec 2025

  As we say goodbye to 2025 and look ahead to 2026, I would like to reflect on what has been a truly remarkable year for our school community and to thank parents and carers for your continued and valued support.

   

  Although this academic year began in September with the deeply distressing news that our Forest School provision had been deliberately destroyed by vandalism, the response from staff, learners, parents and carers, governors and partners was both swift and inspiring. While this was a significant loss, what could have remained a wholly negative experience instead brought our community closer together, united by a shared sense of purpose and determination.

   

  Overall, 2025 has been a year of many successes. These include a record number of admission applications, with the school now oversubscribed and operating with long waiting lists; national and DfE (Department for Education) recognition for our work on parental engagement; visits from local and international educational leaders, including colleagues from as far afield as India; and significant fundraising to support the rebuilding of our Forest School. We were also proud to welcome Baroness Royall, whose visit resulted in an invitation for our learners to visit the Houses of Parliament. Most recently, the school was awarded the Leading Parent Partnership Award, recognising the strength of our work with families.

   

  I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers once again for the vital role you play in supporting our school and our learners. Have a lovely winter break and here’s making 2026 a fantastic year for everyone in our community.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• Putting Wellbeing First - Supporting Every Learner to Succeed

  Mon 15 Dec 2025

  At Upper Batley, the wellbeing and safety of our learners is always our number one priority. We believe wholeheartedly that “children learn best when they feel safe, supported and understood,” and this belief underpins everything we do as a school. Our compassionate and highly committed staff work tirelessly to ensure every learner feels valued, listened to and encouraged to be the very best version of themselves. Alongside this, our excellent facilities allow us to deliver a rich, creative curriculum that is carefully tailored to meet individual needs.

   

  We are proud to offer a wide range of unique opportunities that support both emotional wellbeing and personal development. Our Forest School, Barnyard, horticulture area and on-site gym all play an important role in helping learners to develop resilience, confidence and a sense of calm. We understand that the demands of school life: particularly exams, coursework and assessments can sometimes feel challenging, so we place a strong emphasis on teaching learners practical strategies to manage stress and look after their mental health.

   

  Central to our approach is our outstanding support network. Our Pastoral team, strong SEND provision, dedicated school Counsellor who work closely with learners every day to create a safe, caring environment where everyone knows there is always someone they can talk to. This consistent, trusted support helps learners to feel secure, builds their confidence and enables them to engage positively with their learning.

   

  We also recognise that true success is about more than academic outcomes alone. Developing resilience, determination, empathy and a positive work ethic is equally important. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to nurture these qualities across all subjects. Whether learners are solving problems in Maths, building perseverance and teamwork in Forest School, or caring for animals in the Barnyard, each experience helps to prepare them for life beyond the classroom and supports them in becoming confident, well-rounded individuals.

   

  We are incredibly proud of our commitment to nurturing the whole child. Our work in the area of mental health and wellbeing is recognised as best practice, and we are delighted to hold Gold status from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. This achievement reflects our ongoing dedication to ensuring that every learner at Upper Batley feels safe, supported and ready to succeed.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• Staying Safe Online

  Tue 09 Dec 2025

  The online world is now part of everyday life for both adults and young people. While technology brings many benefits, it also comes with risks. Online safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it is vital that we all work together to help young people use the internet safely, confidently and responsibly.

  At UBHS, online safety is a key priority. We support learners through assemblies, lessons and clear rules, including not bringing mobile phones onto the school site. However, keeping children safe online works best when schools and families work in partnership.

  To support parents and carers, we are offering FREE digital parenting sessions focused on online safety. The session will cover topics such as.
  
  - Understanding gaming, online communication, and hidden risks
  - Social media dangers, trends, emojis
  - Issues around mental health, cyberbullying
  - Digital boundaries
  - Building open communication with children
  - Improving online safety at home
  
  Date: Thursday 11 December 2025
  Time: 1.15pm or 4.15pm (choose one session)

  These sessions will provide practical advice on social media, gaming, privacy settings and how to have effective conversations with your child about staying safe online.

  Sign up here: https://forms.gle/PSvPs4kUB1fzENpP6

  We strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend one of these sessions and join us in supporting our young people to stay safe online.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

  

• Doors of Opportunity - Careers Development

  Mon 01 Dec 2025

  At UBHS, we firmly believe that leadership is not a title reserved for the few, but a set of skills and qualities that can be nurtured in every young person. Developing the leaders of tomorrow sits at the heart of our work, and we are committed to building confidence, character and essential skills from the very beginning of a child’s educational journey.

   

  Across UBHS, learners are provided with a wide range of meaningful opportunities to develop leadership and workplace-ready skills through lessons, enrichment activities and positions of responsibility throughout the school. These experiences support learners in developing key skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and resilience, skills that are vital not only for future careers, but for life beyond the classroom.

   

  A cornerstone of this work is our use of the Skills Builder programme, delivered during Inspire form time. Skills Builder offers a clear, structured framework that enables learners to practise essential skills regularly, reflect on their progress and understand how these skills are relevant both now and in their future pathways. This consistent approach helps to build confidence, foster independence and empower learners to recognise and believe in their own potential. As we say at UBHS, we provide doors of opportunity for every learner to grow, excel and flourish.

   

  Crucially, this commitment to leadership development does not stop at secondary school. As a Trust, we work collaboratively with our primary schools to nurture leadership from a younger age. By introducing leadership opportunities and essential skills early, we help our youngest learners build confidence, develop a strong sense of self and begin to see themselves as future leaders. This joined-up approach ensures clear continuity and progression as learners move through our schools.

   

  This collaborative work was brought to life last week when our Year 10 learners supported Year 6 learners at Field Lane Primary School by conducting mock interviews and providing constructive, supportive feedback. This experience was invaluable for both groups of learners; strengthening confidence, communication skills and leadership capacity across our Trust.

   

  By working together and embedding essential skills throughout our curriculum, we are not only preparing our learners for employment, but empowering them to thrive, lead and make a positive contribution to society. This is a vision we are immensely proud of at UBHS.

   

  Aman Singh Kang

   

  

• Celebrating Success

  Mon 24 Nov 2025

  Last week, we had the privilege of hosting our annual Presentation Evening. It was a truly uplifting occasion that showcased the exceptional achievements, progress, and dedication of our learners throughout the 2024/25 academic year. It was a brilliant celebration of hard work and aspiration, and a powerful reminder to our younger learners of what can be accomplished with perseverance and commitment.

   

  Expertly hosted by our Deputy Headteacher, Mr Farrar, the evening saw more than 250 awards presented to both current and former learners. We were delighted to welcome our Chair of Governors, Mr Geoff Alvy, who shared thoughtful reflections on the year, as well as our guest speaker, Mr Shahid Akhtar, a former learner from the Class of 2004 and now a NHS Practice/Operations Manager. His inspiring words showed exactly where determination, resilience, and a passion for learning can lead.

   

  Selecting learners for special recognition is never an easy task. Our staff team carefully considers not only academic achievement, but also the dedication, character, and sheer effort that each learner brings to their studies. Those who received awards truly stood out, demonstrating commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to push themselves further.

   

  I am immensely proud of all our award winners and of every learner who continues to strive for excellence. I challenge each of you to build on this year’s successes and aim even higher in the months ahead.

   

  My sincere thanks also go to our parents and carers for their continued support, and to our outstanding staff team, whose unwavering dedication ensures that every learner receives a high-quality education, every single day.

   

  It was an evening filled with pride, inspiration, and hope- a reminder of the bright futures our learners are working so hard to create.
  
  Aman Singh Kang

  

• 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