Batley Grammar School

History

The school was founded in 1612 by the Rev. William Lee. An annual founder's day service is held in his memory at Batley Parish Church, as requested in his will, although it is not held on the date originally specified. In 1878, the school moved to its current site at Carlinghow Hill, Upper Batley. The school selected boys on their performance in the eleven-plus exams, regardless of family background. Following the introduction of comprehensive schools, the school became a private school in 1978 and entry became restricted to boys whose parents could afford its fees.

The school introduced girls into the sixth form in 1988 and became co-educational in 1996. In 2011, it became a state-funded free school. The following year, it celebrated its quatercentenary. A junior school, Priestley House (after Joseph Priestley, an old Batelian) is set in the grounds. The school has had several Royal visits; the Royal family lands on its playing fields when visiting the area. Prince Andrew has visited the school, as has Princess Anne.

On 25 March 2021, a teacher was suspended after a cartoon of Muhammad was shown in class during a discussion about press freedom and religious extremism, which sparked protests outside the school, demanding the resignation of the teacher involved, and a 61,000 signature petition of support. Gary Kibble, the former head of Batley Grammar has offered an apology. Commenting on the situation, Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, said teachers should be able to "appropriately show images of the prophet" in class and the protests are "deeply unsettling" due to the UK being a "free society". He added teachers should "not be threatened" by religious extremists.

The trust conducted an investigation, concluding in May 2021, that in respect for the community, images of Muhammad should not be used, and lifted the teacher's suspension.

The Khan Review, published in March 2024, criticized the responses of Batley Grammar School, West Yorkshire Police, and Kirklees Council, stating that the teacher was "totally and utterly failed" by these institutions. The review highlighted that the teacher, who remains in hiding, was not treated as a victim of crime and did not receive adequate support, leading to feelings of abandonment and suicidal thoughts.

Notable Old Batelians

Former pupils of the school are referred to as Old Batelians.

Ismail Dawood, former British county cricketer

Richard Dawson, former English county cricketer

Andrew Firth, Michael Brooke and Ben Davies, members of indie-pop band The Dandys

Tim Fountain, Writer

Lee Goddard, former English County Cricketer

Cecil Grayson (1920–1998), Serena Professor of Italian, University of Oxford, 1958–1988

Sir Herbert Holdsworth, 1890–1949, Liberal and later Liberal National MP

Benjamin Ingham (1712–1772), Methodist and Moravian evangelist and preacher

Godfrey Lienhardt (1921–1993), anthropologist

Andrew Milner, Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Monash University

Sir Mark Oldroyd (1843–1927), woollen manufacturer, politician and philanthropist

David Peace, Author

Richard Pearson, former English county cricketer

Joseph Priestley (1733–1804), theologian, natural philosopher, and discoverer of oxygen

Richard Reed, co-founder of innocent Drinks