A YEADON primary school remains Inadequate following an Ofsted monitoring visit despite being praised for being committed to making improvements.

Queensway Primary School, on Coppice Wood Avenue in Yeadon, was downgraded from Good to Inadequate after an inspection in June 2022, when Ofsted inspectors described educational experiences at the school as “unacceptably varied”.

The school was put at risk of closure last September, after Leeds City Council raised concerns over a shortage of school-aged pupils in the surrounding area. However, a high profile campaign by parents and governors at the school later forced a U-turn on the plans.

In its latest monitoring visit which took place in July, Ofsted praised staff who remain “committed to improving the school” but said that, despite improvements, more work was needed to address “serious weaknesses”.

The education watchdog said: “Queensway Primary School remains inadequate and has serious weaknesses. Leaders have made progress to improve the school, but more work is necessary for the category of concern to be removed.

"The school has been through a difficult period since the previous inspection, including the threat of closure. You and your staff have had to adapt to changing circumstances. Fewer pupils in the school means that some year groups will be taught in mixed-age classes from September 2023. You will also have new members of staff joining the team. You and your team remain committed to improving the school."

Despite previous concerns raised over the school’s curriculum, inspectors praised “a good quality education” being provided to all pupils, with a clear approach being put in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The report added: “The training and support staff have received is beginning to improve mathematics teaching, but this is still inconsistent. To make sure that all staff are supported to know what to teach and when, you have worked on a new curriculum for foundation subjects.

“Although this has not been fully introduced, staff have already accessed relevant training.”

Inspectors also praised the school for “developing an inclusive culture.”

Headteacher Mark Duce said: "It has been well documented the difficulties the school has faced over the past few years and everybody connected with the school is striving to improve despite the current challenges.

"This was the first monitoring visit since our Ofsted inspection last year and rightfully the report draws on lots of positives. I am pleased it acknowledges the progress we are making and our commitment to provide a good quality education for all our pupils.

"We are continuing to work in close partnership with the council, other local schools and our own fantastic school community to ensure we reach the standards we have set ourselves on our journey of improvement. I am proud of what we have achieved so far."