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Every Opportunity for Excellence
Batley Girls High School home page
Every Opportunity for Excellence

Headteacher's blog

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

  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 20

    Mon 23 Mar 2026

    We welcome all learners back this week following the Eid celebration that many of our families will have been enjoying. To help bring our community together in unity and reflect on the rest of the year we will be hosting an Eid Fair for all learners in school. We are grateful for all the hard work of staff who have used their time to help coordinate this event and to local businesses who have supported us with their time and produce. 

     

    I know following the success of last year's fair all staff and learners will be looking forward to visiting this and to finishing this half term on a celebratory note. Of course this is also about promoting attendance and coupled with the fair we have the Brilliance Bucket booster points. Attendance is something we need all parents to support as high attendance = high achievement. 

     

    The details below highlight information shared with learners this week.

     

    Gary Kibble 

     

    Here is a summary of the learner bulletin for the week commencing Monday 23 March 2026, designed for parents:

     

    Attendance and Rewards: "Boost Week"

    • Double Points: This week is a "Boost Week" where learners can earn double attendance activity points by being in school every day from Monday 23 March to Friday 27 March.
    • Rewards: Learners can earn bonus chocolates and stickers this week. Premium points for extra activities can be added by Mr. Scurr in the LRC on Mondays at breaktime.
    • Impact: The school emphasises the strong link between high attendance and better exam results and future earning potential.

     

    Personal Development & Community

    • Earth Hour: Learners are encouraged to participate in Earth Hour this Saturday by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
    • Career Focus: The "Job of the Week" is an Aquaponics Technician, highlighting the skills of science, animal welfare, and data analysis.

     

    Reading & Competitions

    • Vending Machine: Learners showing excellent effort in reading can win a book from the school’s vending machine.
    • 26-Word Manifesto: A competition is running where learners write a 26-word statement on the theme "What I won't be quiet about".

     

    Key Dates:

    • Year 8 Parents' Evening: Thursday 16 April.
    • Year 9 Enterprise Event: Wednesday 25 March (fundraising for charities).
    • Year 9 Pathways Interviews: Starting this week to help learners with future choices.
  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 19

    Mon 16 Mar 2026

    Over the past week we have marked two significant days; International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day. While one honors the global achievements of women and the other celebrates the nurturing figures in our personal lives, both are rooted in a shared appreciation for the resilience, courage, and leadership of women, a pertinent message for our learners here at Batley Girls’.

     

    One figure who perfectly embodies the spirit of both International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day is the late Jo Cox.  Jo remains a profound inspiration to us all. A global advocate for women’s rights and humanity on the world stage, yet she was also a devoted mother. Her ability to balance a fierce commitment to public service as the MP for Batley and Spen; with the nurturing love of a parent, reminds our learners that they do not have to choose between having a professional impact and a personal legacy—they can lead with both strength and heart.

     

    As we approach the end of this week we would like to wish all members of our community Eid Mubarak and we will look forward to a shared celebration with our learners on Monday 23 March at our Eid Fair.

     

    The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week.

     

    Gary Kibble

     

    Whole School Updates

     

    Attendance and Rewards

    • Boost Week (March 23–27): To encourage attendance, learners  in school for all five days this week will earn double attendance activity points. This is likely the final "boost" of the year to help learners qualify for the Big Day Out and reflects the importance of good attendance. 
    • The Brilliance Bucket: Learners earn 20 points for 100% weekly attendance and 10 points for completing a weekly "Brilliance Activity". These points contribute toward VIP status (Bronze to Platinum) and various prizes.
    • Premium Points: Extra activities can be logged for "Premium Points" at the LRC on Mondays during breaktime.

     

    Academic Expectations

    • Homework: All tasks and deadlines are now set via Class Charts. Please note that late or poor-quality homework may result in a "Study and Support" (SAS) detention.
    • Career Focus: This week’s "Job of the Week" is a Speech and Language Therapist, highlighting the importance of achieving Grade 5+ in English and Maths.

     

    Community and Wellbeing

    • Wellbeing: The school is promoting "5 Ways to Wellbeing": Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give.
    • Sustainability: Learners are being encouraged to be mindful of litter and to reduce the use of single-use plastics both in school and the local community.

     

    Extra-Curricular Activities

    • PE Clubs: Weekly clubs include Volleyball and Taekwondo (Mondays) and Mixed Sports and Darts (Tuesdays).
    • Art Club: Held on Mondays for Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9). Parents must provide consent via ParentPay.
    • Reading Rewards: Five learners per week from Years 7–11 win books from the school’s vending machine based on their reading effort.
  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 18

    Mon 09 Mar 2026

    Attendance continues to be our key area of focus and is at the forefront of many of our learners minds as well. Having undertaken some learner voice in school around attendance and reasons for absences, we were surprised by at least one of the comments made. Learners who have good attendance (above 98%) commented that they were frustrated at times in lessons where teachers are having to spend time explaining items that others had missed because they had been absent. We know that attendance below 95% means that learners are twice as likely not to achieve a grade 5 in their core subjects of Maths and English. These comments highlight the negative impact on others of poor attendance. Please support us and your daughter by encouraging attendance to school every day.

     

    The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week.

     

    Gary Kibble

     

    Key Dates and Attendance Boosts

    • Boost Week (March 23 – 27): To encourage high attendance, learners who attend school for all five days this week will receive double attendance activity points.
    • Big Day Out: Points earned during boost weeks help learners qualify for the "Big Day Out" visit.

     

    Rewards and Achievements

    • Reading Awards: learners displaying excellent effort in reading or vocabulary can earn "Reading Awards". Five winners are selected weekly from Years 7–11 to choose a book from the school’s vending machine.
    • Positive Points: Each year group tracks "Community Positives" awarded for character, creativity, community, connection, and collaboration. The top five learners in each category are entered into a prize draw at the end of each term.
    • Year 8 Challenge: Any Year 8 learner who receives 50 or more positive points in a single week will receive a special prize.

     

    Support and Environment

    • Sustainable Schools: This week is "Switch Off Week," where learners are encouraged to save energy by switching off lights and appliances when not in use, both at school and at home.
    • Safeguarding: A reminder for all learners to be kind to themselves and others.
    • ICT Support: If your child has issues accessing technology for homework, please contact Mrs. Hendry at mhendry@batleygirls.co.uk.

     

  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 17

    Mon 02 Mar 2026

    Last week we were notified that a group of year 9’s who had taken part in the Kings Trust Enterprise Challenge had been selected for the finals, competing against five other Yorkshire based schools. We are of course incredibly proud of their achievement, supported by Mrs Casson. This is just another example of  the passion and maturity our learners have in these events, consistently making finals and impressing with their thoughtful comments, diligence and desire. Similar success has been achieved in the Historical Society debating competition with one year 11 due to attend the finals and Green Britain Challenge cohort competing this week across our Trust. 

     

    The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week.

     

    Gary Kibble

     

    Whole School Updates

    • World Book Day Activities: The school is celebrating World Book Day with several initiatives, including the "Read Around Your School in 80 Books" challenge, the "Subject Traitors" investigation, "Subject Squid Games" in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), and a "Decorate a Door" competition. Learners are also invited to donate to Book Aid International on Thursday 5 March.
    • Teen Mental Health Day: Learners were reminded that all emotions are part of life and that there is always someone they can talk to if they face difficulties.
    • SMSC (Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural) Focus: Learners learned about the Hindu festival of Holi, which celebrates the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the importance of equality.
    • Job of the Week: The featured career this week is "Sleep Technologist," which requires Grade 6+ in English, Maths, and Science to pursue A-levels in Science.

     

    Academic and Behavioural Expectations

    • Attendance: High attendance is highlighted as essential for academic achievement, exam success, and future earning potential. The school is aiming for an overall attendance target of 98%.

     

    Year Group Highlights

    • Year 7: The year group celebrated high attendance and lots of positive achievements points. Learners  were reminded of the importance of wearing lanyards and ID cards.
    • Year 8: Learners are participating in the "Green Britain" challenge and "Modestars" school survey. 
    • Year 9: The year group is celebrating reaching the final of the "King's Trust Enterprise Challenge". Teachers are currently finalizing Attitude to Learning (ATL) grades and progress checks.
    • Year 10: The "Form Champions" competition is underway, with a "champions brunch" event prize available for the winning form.
    • Year 11: The focus remains on consistent positive contributions, with top-performing learners in various categories (Character, Creativity, Community, Connection, and Collaboration) recognized for their efforts.
  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 16

    Mon 23 Feb 2026

    We are delighted to welcome back learners this week following the half term break. Many of our learners will be observing Ramadan, fasting through the school day. To support this, we have split our dining room facilities to provide a no food space for learners to use. We were also pleased to welcome Moulana Aslam Seedat (Chaplain for the Mid Yorkshire Trust) to school today to talk to our learners about Ramadan and how to manage this with commitments in school and at home.

     

    At the same time we have a number of our learners who are supporting our Parent Forum members as they organise our Eid Fair due to take place on Monday 23 March. If you can support with either time or donations please do contact Mr Laher of Miss Aswat who are coordinating events.

     

    The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week.

     

    Gary Kibble 

     

    Attendance and Achievement

    • Impact on Results: Please remember there is a direct link between attendance and GCSE performance. For example, a learner with 98% attendance achieves an average grade of 7, while a learner with 89% attendance will on average achieve a grade 4.
    • Attendance Boost Week: To encourage high attendance, learners who are in school every day from Monday 23 March to Friday 27 March will earn double attendance activity points toward the "Big Day Out".
    • Support: Parents are encouraged to discuss any issues affecting their child's attendance with group tutors or achievement leaders so we can mitigate any fall in the number of days learners are in school

     

    Academic and Literacy Expectations

    • Literacy Standards: We expect all learners  to use rulers for underlining, use correct punctuation and capital letters, and use purple pens for corrections. Please support us by reviewing your child's books. 
    • Homework: All homework is now set on Class Charts. Failure to hand in high-quality homework on time will result in a "Study and Support" (SAS) detention.
    • Reading Rewards: Teachers are awarding "Reading Awards" on Class Charts for excellent effort in reading or vocabulary. Five winners across Years 7-11 are selected weekly to win a book from the school's vending machine.

     

    Extracurricular Activities focus on Science Club.

    • Science Club: A weekly club runs from February through March 2026 on Tuesdays. Upcoming activities include:
      • February 24: DNA sweet models
      • March 3: Making fossils
      • March 10: Making crystals
      • March 17: Chromatography.
      • March 24: Cheek cells and microscopes

     

    Learner Recognition

    • Positive Points: The bulletin celebrates the "Top 5" learners in each year group (Years 7-11) for categories such as Character, Creativity, Community, Connection, and Collaboration.
    • Community Groups: Points are also tracked for the school's community groups (e.g., Betty Boothroyd, Jo Cox, Rosa Parks).
  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 15

    Mon 09 Feb 2026

    There is no let up in school life as we approach the end of this half term. We wish all our year 11 learners good luck as they start their second round of PPE exams over this week to help us target specific interventions required to help boost their grade. Support at home to provide a quiet study space will of course help establish positive routines for the real exam. Linked to this will be good attendance this week and over the next few months before the formal exam season starts.

     

    Year 7 will also be taking part in some environmental work in our local area to help ensure it is a positive environment for all as well as learning about the importance of recycling and the damage litter can cause to our environment. Finally I know our learners will be looking forward to a well-earned break and we wish all our families an early Ramadan Mubarak.

     

    The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week.

     

    Gary Kibble 

     

    Key Events and Dates

    • National Apprenticeship Week (Feb 9–13): This week's theme is "Skills for Life". Learners can explore apprenticeship displays in the Learning Resource Centre all week. On Wednesday 11 February, LLS Sports College will visit to discuss careers and coaching pathways.
    • Attendance "Boost Week" (Mar 23–27): To help learners qualify for the "Big Day Out," double attendance activity points will be awarded for full attendance during this week.
    • Year 8 Events: A small group will also visit Leeds University for the "Leeds to Success" day, a great opportunity to see what possible next steps are open for our learners.                                                       

     

    Academic and Literacy Focus

    • Literacy Expectations: The school continues to emphasize high standards, including underlined dates and titles, correct punctuation, and neat presentation. Exceptional effort can earn "Reading Awards" and the chance to win a book from the vending machine. Please take the time to review your daughter’s books to help us reinforce these standards
    • Homework: A reminder that all tasks are now set on Class Charts. Please note that failure to submit high-quality homework on time may result in a ‘Study and Support’ (SAS) detention.
    • Word of the Week: This week’s word is "Vigilant," meaning to keep a careful watch for difficulties.
    • Personal Development: Learners are celebrating "International Day for Women and Girls in Science," highlighting global progress in STEM fields.

     

    Learners Recognition

    • Top House Points: For the week of Feb 2, Rosa Parks led the community positives, with Rosalind Franklin leading the year-to-date standings.
    • Attendance Leaders: Notable 100% attendance was achieved by several forms, with Form SSW (Year 9) reaching a perfect 100% last week, congratulations to them.
  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 14

    Mon 02 Feb 2026

    This week starts with some very positive news from our local MP Kim Leadbeater following the contribution of our learners at the recent Youth Parliament. BGHS learners were also mentioned as excellent spokes persons attending a careers event over the weekend. This reflects the importance placed upon oracy and debating skills within school, with one of our year 11 learners completing this week in the semi finals of the Historical Association Great Debate. We have an excellent track record in this with previous learners reaching the final. All wonderful key skills that will help our learners move onto successful careers after their time with us.

     

    Gary Kibble 

     

    The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week.

     

    Key Events and Dates

    • Pathways Day & Evening: This is a major event for Year 9 learners to make their course choices. Pathways sessions will run on Tuesday 3 February during periods 1, 3, and 4.
    • Rewards Assemblies: The Year 8 rewards assembly is scheduled for next week.
    • Year 7 "Show and Tell": Taking place this Tuesday.
    • Anti Bullying Posters: Year 7 entries must be submitted before the holiday break.

     

    Academic & Attendance Expectations

    • Attendance Target: The school target is 98% attendance. Data shows a strong correlation between high attendance and exam achievement, please do not book non emergency appointments in school time and encourage resilience in your daughter to attend every day to maximise their progress.
    • Punctuality: Year 7 has been noted for high numbers of "late to school" negatives; parents are encouraged to help learners set alarms 10 minutes earlier.

     

    Rewards and Opportunities

    • Brilliance Bucket: Learners are aiming for 300 points to qualify for the "Big Batley Day Out".
    • Reading Awards: Teachers award "Reading Rewards" on Class Charts for excellent effort; five weekly winners across Years 7–11 can choose a book from the vending machine.
    • Premium Points: Learners can visit the LRC on Mondays at break to have extra "Brilliant Activities" added to their totals.
    • Job of the Week: This week’s focus is on becoming a Pet Behaviourist, requiring at least a Grade 4 in GCSE English, Maths, and Science.

     

    Curriculum Themes

    • SMSC & Personal Development: The bulletin highlights Groundhog Day and Candlemas (Monday 2 February), exploring their historical and religious origins.
    • Financial Literacy: A "spot the difference" exercise focused on "shrinkflation," showing learners how a 5g reduction in chocolate bar weight represents an 11% price difference.
  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 13

    Mon 26 Jan 2026

    Despite a slightly shorter week last week we packed plenty in. We were very pleased to host a PIXL Open Classroom event, inviting colleagues from different schools to look at the various strategies we are implementing in school to enhance the provision for our learners. The highlight was of course our fantastic learner leaders who made a real impression with their passion and maturity in presenting ideas. Year 12 level 2 learners were invited to the very first Inspire 2026 to listen to a range of inspirational speakers, hosted by Luke Staton, we were also pleased to invite year 11 learner parents into school for the parents consultation evening. Finally we were delighted to receive an acknowledgement from Bridgid Phillipson of the fantastic work of staff and learners to secure their grades in the summer of 2025. A great way to end the week. Details can be found here on our CEO’s blog.

     

    The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week. 

     

    Core Educational Themes this week

    • Holocaust Memorial Day (Tuesday 27January): Learners will be reflecting on the importance of kindness, respect, and standing up against prejudice.
    • World Interfaith Harmony Week: The school is promoting global harmony by encouraging learners to work together and break down stereotypes regardless of religious or non-religious beliefs.

     

    Key School Notices

    • Attendance & Achievement: Our attendance target remains at 98%,  we know high attendance directly correlates with better exam results and future opportunities.
    • Career Focus: The "Job of the Week" is a Historian, requiring Grade 4 or above in English and Maths, and specifically A-level History.

     

    Year Group Highlights

    • Year 8: A group of year 8 learners  will visit Leeds University on Thursday 12 February to gain insight into university life.
    • Year 10: Over 150 learners are currently in the "98 Club" for high attendance and will receive rewards this week.
    • Year 11: Following the recent bg6 Taster Day, learners are encouraged to provide feedback via an online form to help shape future post-16 study plans.

     

    Rewards and Recognition

    • Reading Awards: Learners meeting literacy expectations can earn "Reading Awards" on Class Charts, with winners selected weekly to choose a book from the school’s vending machine.

     

  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 12

    Mon 19 Jan 2026

    My assemblies last week focused on the inspirational woman Bouchra Baibanou who is the first North African woman to scale all of the seven highest peaks in the world. Her story is one of courage, determination and above all seeking to challenge herself and others to seek out new experiences. The challenge posed to our learners is to seek something new to challenge themselves with, either academically or socially and to overcome any setbacks that occur. 

     

    The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week. 

     

    Key Educational Themes & Personal Development

    • Literacy Expectations: Please support us in reminding learners to underline dates and titles, use correct punctuation and capital letters, and use purple pens for corrections.

     

    Careers & Opportunities

    • Job of the Week: Astronautical Engineering careers were looked at and the requirements of entry which are grade 6+ in English, Maths, and Science at A-level.
    • Google Virtual Work Experience: A fantastic opportunity for learners interested in YouTube or marketing. Registration is open for a session on Wednesday 28 January at 4:30 pm.

     

    School Routines & Notices

    • Attendance & Achievement: Consistent attendance leads to better exam results and future earnings. The "98% Club" offers weekly rewards for learners maintaining high attendance and low negatives, please encourage your daughter to continually attend school and lessons.
    • Homework: All homework is set on Class Charts.

     

    Learner Recognitions: 

    • Each week one learner from each year group is rewarded with a token for the book vending machine. Please ask your daughter if she has been awarded a token to support our literacy initiatives.
  • Headteacher's Blog - Edition 11

    Mon 12 Jan 2026

    This week, learners are focusing on "World Logic Day" (Wednesday 14 January) exploring the importance of critical thinking in the age of AI. It is certainly something that all members of our school community need to manage carefully. Even in this ever developing technological world, the weather has the capacity to disrupt as we found last week. We have worked closely with the providers of our bus services to agree on an adverse weather route to limit disruption to school. We will communicate to all parents when this adverse route will be instigated through e-mail and text message. Please note that we will not use any forms of communication such as whatsapp, messages shared through these other formats will not be from the school.

     

    Gary Kibble 

     

    The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week. 

     

    Key Academic & School Notices

     

    • Attendance Matters: There is a direct link between high attendance and exam success. Learners with 98% attendance and fewer than two negatives qualify for the "98 Club," which offers weekly rewards and prize draws.
    • Homework Expectations: All homework is now set via Class Charts. Please ensure your child meets deadlines to avoid "Study and Support" (SAS) detentions.

     

    Career & Enrichment Opportunities

     

    • Google Virtual Work Experience: A fantastic opportunity for learners interested in marketing or social media (becoming a "YouTuber") is available on Wednesday 28 January at 4:30 pm. Registration links are on Google Classroom.
    • Careers Breakfast: Year 9 learners can sign up for a session with a Creative Director and Entrepreneur on Thursday 15 January at 8:15 am.
    • Year 10 University Programme: Good luck to our learners who have begun their "Leeds to Success" University programme this week.

     

    Important Dates & Contact Info

     

    • Jan 15: Y9 Careers Breakfast (8:15 am).
    • Jan 26: Deadline for the Winter Setting Descriptive Writing Challenge.
    • Jan 28: Google Marketing Virtual Work Experience (4:30 pm).

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Awards

Trust Adress

  • Batley Girls’ High School
  • Windmill Lane, Batley
  • WF17 0LD
  • Batley Girls’ High School is part of Batley Multi Academy Trust, company number 07732537, a Company incorporated as private limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and an exempt Charity. Registered Office Blenheim Drive, Batley, WF17 0BJ.