New look and new name for boys’ school

Batley Business and Enterprise College will now be known as Upper Batley High School from September 1.

Headteacher Ms Sam Vickers, who took over leadership of the boys’ school in October last year, said: “Research into the school over the school year revealed that parents of primary schools believed we were a sixth form college for 16-19 year old boys.

“No one really liked the name Batley Business and Enterprise College, so a campaign was led by the boys throughout the school to come up with a new name.”

The name Upper Batley High School was eventually decided upon by pupils along with staff and school governors.

Ms Vickers said: “We are a rapidly improving school - a high school for high achievement.

“We are a boys ‘ school with a curriculum bespoke for boys, helping them be independent learners.”

The school, which boasts a barnyard with poultry and a forest area on site, aims to give pupils a practical side of learning outside the classroom.

But the decision making didn’t end there for pupils.

They also designed the school’s new logo and their own uniforms.

Ms Vickers said: “When pupils arrive back to school after the summer break in September they will see a totally fresh looking school.

“The decorators will be giving it a new look inside and out - with brand new signage, we have a brand new prospectus available along with a new-look newsletter, a new uniform for all pupils and a new name.

“It’s an exciting time for our school.”