LATEST NEWS: WATCH: Large crowd of parents and children protest against school closure

A PRIMARY SCHOOL, teachers and parents are going to fight a proposal to close the setting.

Leeds City Council announced on Thursday that a proposal to shut Queensway Primary School in Coppice Wood Avenue, in the Yeadon area is being put forward.

If it goes ahead, the school will close at the end of the current academic year, in July 2023.

The reason set out by the local authority is that the numbers of children being born in the Guiseley and Yeadon areas is dwindling and that subsequently Queensway has "seen a large fall in the request for places in its reception class and future numbers are expecting to decline further." 

A letter sent out to parents and carers by Leeds City Council on that day revealed consultation would begin on Monday for people to share their views on the matter.

The local authority made it clear a decision had not been made and that it was important parents and interested parties shared their opinions as their responses "will help to shape the next important steps".

The move has angered parents and teachers alike, with the school itself opposing the proposal.

The front page of the school's website states: "It is with a heavy heart and huge sense of disbelief that I have to share some potentially devastating news we have received.

"We have been contacted by the Local Authority Sufficiency and Participation team and told that they wish to consult on a planned proposal to close our wonderful school.

"We simply cannot let this happen - our children and families need Queensway!"

The statement then links to a page on the school's website dedicated to the consultation.

It gives details on two drop-in sessions for people to share their views, which was also detailed in the letter from Leeds City Council.

These are in the school hall on:

  • Wednesday, October 5, between 5pm and 7pm
  • Wednesday, October 12, between 6pm and 8pm

The page also shares a link to the online consultation website, where people can share their views from tomorrow.

It closes at 4pm on Sunday, October 23.

The final resource on the school page is a printable poster which states: "Queesnway has to stay! Join the fight at queenswayschool.co.uk. Save our school."

A number of parents have been in touch with the T&A to express their concerns over the proposal and want their message sharing.

Vicky Lancaster, a mother of two at the school and a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), has organised a gather for all parents and children at the school tomorrow.

That evening a meeting with take place at the school, which councillors and MPs are set to attend.

Ms Lancaster said: "This is to mark the official date of which our fight begins.

"We have four weeks for our voices to be heard!"

She has also planned a number of other gatherings and has arranged for Yeadon Town Hall to be lit up in yellow and blue, while a team of parents are making banners and t-shirts.