Next week, discussions regarding the future of Queensway Primary School in Leeds will advance as the local authority seeks to move to the next phase of consultation regarding the school’s potential closure.
Leeds City Council has expressed concerns over the future sustainability of the school in Yeadon, highlighting ongoing issues caused by falling pupil numbers and financial pressures. A consultation on the potential closure of the school by the end of this academic year was carried out last month. An update on the outcome of this consultation will be discussed in a report at the next executive board meeting on Wednesday, March 12.
At their upcoming meeting, senior councillors will determine whether to advance to the next phase of the process by issuing a ‘statutory notice’ concerning the proposed closure of Queensway Primary School. This notice will initiate an additional four-week consultation period during which further feedback will be solicited. A final decision on the matter is expected at the council’s executive board meeting in June 2025.
The latest report highlights significant challenges faced by Queensway Primary School over the past five years, emphasizing the impact of declining birth rates. Pupil numbers have steadily fallen, leading to a significant reduction in enrolment across the school. By October 2024, the school had just 81 pupils enrolled, well below its total capacity of 210, illustrating the scale of the challenge now faced.
Due to falling pupil numbers, Queensway Primary School is facing a sharp rise in its projected budget deficit, expected to increase significantly from approximately £608,000 at the end of the 2025/26 financial year to around £1.35 million by the close of 2027/28. This growing financial pressure could impact the school’s ability to provide adequate support and resources for all its students, particularly those requiring additional support.
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.”
The report presented to the council’s executive board outlines clear plans to support affected families if the school were to close. Leeds City Council has committed to working closely with partner organisations to ensure families secure alternative school placements, offering tailored assistance for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
To view the report being presented to the executive board, please visit Council and Democracy (agenda item nine).
