Consultation set to progress to next stage over future of Queensway Primary School

Due to low pupil numbers and an increasingly challenging budget position, Leeds City Council has identified that the long-term sustainability of Queensway Primary School in Yeadon is at risk.

A consultation on a proposal to close the school from the end of this academic year took place last month and a report providing an update will be discussed at next week’s executive board meeting (Wednesday March 12).

Senior councillors at the meeting will decide whether to progress to the next stage and publish a ‘statutory notice’ on the proposals, marking the start of a further four-week consultation period where views will continue to be sought.

A final decision is anticipated to take place at the council’s executive board meeting in June 2025.

The latest report highlights how, over the past five years, declining birth rates have led to a significant fall in pupil numbers across the Aireborough school area. Queensway Primary School has significantly felt the impact of reducing numbers, with only 81 children on its roll in October 2024, compared to its admission limit of 210.

Since the number of children at a school determines the funding it receives, this ongoing situation has led to a sharp rise in the school’s budget deficit forecast, which is expected to grow from an estimated £608,000 at the end of 2025/26 to £1.35m by the end of the 2027/28 financial year.

This increasing deficit means the school’s ability to fund the support for all pupils in the longer term, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), is at risk.

The report to the executive board stresses that, should the school close, the council would work closely with partners to ensure families are able to secure alternative school places, with extensive tailored support for pupils with SEND and/or Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Closing a school is not a decision we take lightly and we absolutely understand the strength of feeling among the school and wider community as these difficult conversations continue.

“We fully recognise the tireless work of everyone involved in championing the school and improving its position. However the falling birth rate has led to an increasingly challenging budget situation and this has long-term implications for the school’s ability to support its pupils.  

“As a local authority, we have a responsibility to consider the viability of the school and as such, we are now seeking to progress to the next stage of consultation.

“If this is approved, there will be further opportunity for people to show their support or objection to the proposal during the new statutory notice period.

“I would like to re-emphasise that, should the closure go ahead, we would work closely with all affected families, including providing comprehensive and bespoke support for children with SEND and/or EHCPs to ensure their needs continued to be met.”

To view the report being considered by the executive board visit Council and democracy (agenda item nine).

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007