Council puts brakes on proposed school closure following legal action
Leeds City Council has said it will not issue a statutory notice to close a primary school in Yeadon at the end of the academic year, after being sent a letter before action claiming that there were “significant flaws” in the local authority’s consultation process.
The council had planned to issue a statutory notice to close Queensway Primary School in Yeadon at the end of the academic year, based on a consultation held in January to February 2025, and a subsequent decision taken by the council’s Executive Board in March 2025.
However, law firm Irwin Mitchell observed that under the statutory framework for school closures, it is “mandatory to conduct a pre-notice consultation prior to issuing a statutory notice” – which the council did not do.
Parents of pupils at the primary school were concerned any closure would have a “considerable impact” on children with special educational needs (SEND), noting that mainstream schools in the area might not be able to meet the needs of their children.
Following initial contact, Irwin Mitchell sent a letter before action to the council, urging it to stop its current plans or face judicial review in the High Court - alleging “significant flaws” in its consultation process.
On 11 April, the council confirmed that in response to the letter before action, it “will not issue a statutory notice in reliance on the January - February consultation and the decision of 12 March 2025”.
The law firm stated: “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 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.”
The local authority has not yet confirmed that school places for the academic year beginning in September 2025 will be available.
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “The council can confirm it has informed Irwin Mitchell that it will not issue a statutory notice in reliance on the January - February consultation and the decision of Executive Board from 12 March 2025. We will communicate next steps, including directly communicating with stakeholders, shortly.”
Lottie Winson