Specialist Education Lawyers Secure Reversal Of Proposed School Closure at Queensway Primary School In Yeadon

Following successful legal action, we are pleased to confirm that Leeds City Council has decided not to issue a statutory notice to close Queensway Primary School in Yeadon at the end of this academic year, based on the consultation held in January to February 2025, and the subsequent decision taken by the Executive Board in March 2025.

Following initial contact, Irwin Mitchell sent formal legal correspondence to Leeds City Council urging them to stop their current plans or face judicial review in the High Court. Lawyers for a parent of the school pointed to significant flaws in the consultation process.

Parents were concerned any closure would have considerable impact on pupils with special educational needs (SEND), with significant concerns that mainstream schools in the area would not be able to meet the needs of their children.  Almost half of the school’s intake is made up of SEND pupils.

On Friday 11 April, Leeds City Council confirmed that in response to the letter before action, they “will not issue a statutory notice in reliance on the January- February consultation and the decision of 12 March 2025”.

Under the statutory framework for school closures, it is mandatory to conduct a pre-notice consultation prior to issuing a statutory notice. While Leeds City Council initially moved forward with this process, they have now acknowledged that it will not advance further.

It is understood that unless and until the Leeds City Council initiates a new statutory procedure, including a fresh pre-notice consultation, the proposed closure of Queensway School cannot lawfully and feasibly progress before September 2025.

Lawyers have urged Leeds City Council to promptly communicate that Queensway Primary School is not closing, and update the wider community to confirm that school places will be available for the academic year beginning in September 2025.

Additionally, clarification has been sought from the Council regarding a need now for discussion with the school and the local community on plans for the school’s future.

We will continue to advocate for transparency and engagement in any further steps Leeds City Council may consider.

Abigail Hands is the education lawyer at Irwin Mitchell.

Expert Opinion

“Our client is delighted that Leeds City Council has confirmed it will not be issuing a statutory notice to close Queensway School, based on the earlier consultation or the March Executive Board decision.

“This outcome underscores the importance of adhering to lawful procedures for school closures, including conducting a proper consultation. There were serious concerns regarding the haste with which Leeds City Council were pursuing the closure and the impact this would have on the children, particularly those with special educational needs.

“We look forward to Leeds City Council clarifying the school's status with the community and ensuring that parents and staff can plan confidently for September 2025 and beyond.” Abigail Hands

Leeds City Council originally proposed closing the school in 2022, a decision they reversed after the council received the ‘highest level of responses ever’ in favour of keeping the school open. This recent decision marks the second U-turn by the Council within the past two and a half years.

Queensway School offers extensive specialist facilities for children with SEND. This includes two specialist classes, sensory rooms, an on-site speech and language therapist and a fully equipped changing suite. The school has a high percentage of children with SEND, constituting around 49% of the student body.

One of the parents fighting to keep Queensway Primary open, said: “We are relieved that Leeds Council has finally acknowledged the flaws in their process.

“The recent 'Good in all areas' Ofsted report can be used to strengthen the school's foundation for success. Our children and the community need this school. Our priority now is to see the Council act swiftly to address the disruption and uncertainty caused by these proposals.

“We urge them to work closely with the Headteacher, Governors and staff to ensure that such a situation never arises again. Together, we can focus on building a brighter future for Queensway.

“This is also a vital opportunity for Leeds City Council to reflect on any mistakes made during these closure attempts and to align with the Government's call to invest in and support schools.

“With the right support, the school can fulfil its potential and continue leading the way in providing inclusive mainstream education for children with special educational needs"

Parents were represented by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and Alice Irving, barrister at Doughty Street Chambers.

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