Two Yeadon schools set to merge due to falling pupil numbers
Leeds City Council has confirmed its support for the proposal by Westfield Infant and Junior schools.
The council looks set to approve the merger of two Yeadon schools which face financial problems and falling numbers of pupils.
Leeds City Council has confirmed its support for the proposal by Westfield Infant and Junior schools.
It means a newly-formed Yeadon Westfield Primary School will be created from September this year.
A council spokesperson said: “We support the schools’ proposals to amalgamate from September to ensure the long-term delivery of high-quality education on the Westfield site.”
The council said the merger was planned “against a backdrop of falling births, reduced pupil numbers and significant financial pressures.”
A final decision on the proposal is expected when the city council’s executive board meets in June.
The council said initial talks and public meetings were held during November and December last year after the merger plan was proposed by the governing bodies of both schools.
Governors considered feedback from families and launched a formal consultation after statutory notices were issued, the council said.
A council report said the infant school proposed to change its age range from three-seven years to three to 11 years.
Views on the merger plan were being sought from parents, headteachers of nearby secondary schools, ward councillors and trade unions.
A consultation document said the current junior school building would be retained and eventually used as the site for the new primary.
All current pupils would have a place at the new school, which would be run by a single headteacher.
The document said: “Both school buildings would be used for teaching for the first few years, before all children move into the junior school building as a one form entry primary school by September 2029.
“An amalgamated Yeadon Westfield Primary School would offer greater financial security for the school, providing stability for pupils, staff and the local community.”