Southway Independent School has closed (Friday 17 July 2026).
The information below is kept for reference. The school at this address is now Springwell Leeds Academy.
Southway Independent School, Middleton Park
Southway Independent School is an independent school for pupils aged 11 to 16 in Middleton Park.
Data last updated 8 Oct 2026
Southway Independent School in detail
Southway Independent School in its own words
In its own words: "Southway was established as a South Leeds pilot scheme to support this initiative in 2008. We have since converted our status to that of an independent school."
From the headteacher's welcome: "At Southway, our approach is to say ' we will meet you wherever you are at, no matter how disconnected you feel, or how hopeless and helpless your situation seems. No matter how many other things have failed. We won't give up on you."
Vision and values (school website)Headteacher's welcome (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other independent schools to Southway Independent School are LS-TEN (1.7 miles, Requires improvement); Queenswood School (3.3 miles, Good, selective); Core Training and Development limited (3.8 miles, Requires improvement); and Al Kauthar Girls Academy (4.3 miles).
LS-TENQueenswood SchoolCore Training and Development limitedAl Kauthar Girls Academy
Who goes there
In 2026, 48 pupils (76.2%) received SEN support and 15 (23.8%) had an education, health and care plan.
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Leeds Rail Station, about 2.5 miles away in a straight line.
9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Windmill Avenue, 130 metres away.
The area around the school
Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Southway Independent School stands in is among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.
Sources: DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport); English Indices of Deprivation 2025 (MHCLG); data.police.uk street-level crime
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's July 2025 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
Southway excels at building strong relationships with pupils and providing personalised support that helps them succeed academically and socially. The school is particularly skilled at supporting pupils with special educational needs, and offers an impressive personal development programme that prepares students well for their future. Staff demonstrate genuine care for each pupil's success and guide them to make choices that lead to their dreams.
Key Strengths
- Excellent support for pupils with SEND who make great progress through the curriculum
- Strong reading support programme that helps struggling readers develop enthusiasm for reading
- Outstanding personal development programme teaching life skills, British values and community engagement
- Skilled behaviour management that boosts pupils' self-belief and self-worth
- Engaging curriculum combining hands-on activities with traditional lessons
Areas for Improvement
- Assessment of pupils' learning at key stage 3 needs to be stronger to address gaps in knowledge and misconceptions before they develop
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective and the school has created a positive culture that puts pupils' interests first.
Extracurricular Activities
Visits to local historical sites, construction and crocheting skills, community group work, work experience
Southway Independent School is a special school for pupils aged 11-16 that brings hope and confidence to its students, helping them become the best they can be through strong relationships and personalised support. The school was rated Good overall, with outstanding personal development.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 3 nearby schools
Social & online
Keep up with Southway Independent School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
53%
Available places
63 pupils
120 places
57 spare places
as recorded on GIAS
Area Demand Pressure - Middleton Park
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Middleton Park
Across Leeds council
Places available
10,015
Applications
9,313
Got 1st preference
83.2%
Got preferred school
95.4%
All secondary applications across Leeds council (2026/27), not just this school.
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
48
SEN Support
15
EHC Plans
100.0%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Pupils by Need Type
No need-level breakdown available
Pupil Demographics
Key Indicators
63
Total Pupils
52
Boys
11
Girls
2026 academic year
Questions parents ask about Southway Independent School
How many pupils go to Southway Independent School?
Southway Independent School has around 63 pupils on roll.
How do I apply to Southway Independent School?
Southway Independent School is an independent school and runs its own admissions rather than going through the local authority. Contact the school directly for entry requirements, assessment dates, fees and any bursaries.
Where is Southway Independent School?
Southway Independent School is at Middleton Road, Leeds, Middleton Park, LS10 3JA.