Lawnswood School Review 2026: Solid Achievement in a Diverse Community

Lawnswood School sits in a heritage that stretches back over 150 years. Its predecessors included Leeds Modern School, founded in 1845 and attended by celebrated playwright Alan Bennett, and Lawnswood High School for Girls, established in 1854. The school as it exists today was formed in 1972 when these institutions merged into a comprehensive secondary school serving the diverse communities of Leeds.

The school now educates approximately 1,400 students across its main campus and a thriving sixth form. Under the leadership of Mrs Joanna Bell, the school maintains a strong focus on embedding confidence and fueling ambition among its student body. The most recent Ofsted inspection in September 2023 confirmed that the school continues to provide a good education, with inspectors noting that the school has created a positive environment in which students feel happy and safe.

Results paint a picture of a school performing in line with the middle 35% of schools nationally. At GCSE, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 43.5, indicating that most students are achieving grades across a broad range of subjects. At A-level, approximately 31% of grades reach the A*-B range. In 2023-24, 56% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, while others entered apprenticeships or employment.

The school's physical location on Ring Road in the Lawnswood area of west Leeds positions it at the heart of a diverse community. Students describe a welcoming environment where their backgrounds are acknowledged and valued. The Ofsted inspection noted that the school has actively developed a curriculum that reflects its students' diverse backgrounds.

Mrs Joanna Bell, Headteacher since 2021, brings a commitment to both high expectations and inclusive practice. Her leadership has emphasised that student wellbeing and achievement are equally important. The school's stated values centre on embedding confidence and fueling ambition, which manifests in daily interactions between staff and students.

Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied. Inspectors found that students are polite, friendly, and respectful. The school maintains a structured approach to discipline whilst fostering genuine relationships. Students report that teachers know them as individuals, not just names on a register.

The school has earned recognition through various accreditations, including the Arts Council designation, the Chartermark for customer service excellence, and the Healthy Schools status. These achievements reflect a whole-school commitment to student development that extends well beyond examination results.

GCSE Results

In the most recent cycle, Lawnswood's GCSE outcomes reflect the performance of a comprehensive school serving a diverse intake. The Attainment 8 score of 43.5 places the school at the middle point of the national distribution. This metric measures achievement across eight key subjects and demonstrates that most students are securing a spread of GCSE grades.

The school ranks 2,453rd in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools nationally. Locally, the school ranks 25th among Leeds secondary schools. Progress 8, which measures growth from KS2 starting points, currently sits at -0.26, indicating that students make slightly below-average progress between ages 11 and 16. This is an area the school is actively working to address through curriculum refinement and additional support interventions.

The school's English Baccalaureate performance shows 11% of pupils achieving grades 5 and above across the core EBacc subjects, below the national average of around 40%. This reflects the school's comprehensive intake and its focus on breadth rather than narrowing curriculum onto a single pathway.

A-Level and Sixth Form Performance

The sixth form serves approximately 300 students, both those continuing from Year 11 and external applicants. A-level results show 31% of grades at A*-B level, compared to the England average of 47%. This indicates that whilst the sixth form attracts students of varying abilities, upper-tier grades remain less prevalent than in selective or highly selective schools.

The school ranks 1,936th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the bottom 40% nationally. However, the combined GCSE and A-level ranking of 1,791 reflects the school's overall contribution to student progress across secondary education.

University destinations for sixth form leavers show that 56% progressed to higher education institutions in 2023-24. One student secured a place at Cambridge, indicating that the school is successfully preparing high-achieving students for competitive universities despite its broadly-based intake. The school benefits from strong links with local universities, which the Ofsted inspection highlighted as a strength in raising student aspirations.

The curriculum at Lawnswood is designed around the school's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The inspection confirmed that the school has developed a curriculum reflective of its students' diverse backgrounds, moving beyond a purely academic focus to incorporate perspectives and voices often underrepresented in traditional education.

Subjects are taught across the full range of humanities, sciences, languages, and creative disciplines. The school offers A-level options spanning over 20 subjects, providing genuine breadth at post-16. The school's approach to curriculum is centred on the concept of "Lawnswood Links," which encourages students to make connections between subjects and real-world applications.

Teachers are supported through professional development programmes and collaborative planning. The staff includes specialists in EAL (English as an Additional Language), reflecting the linguistic diversity of the student body. Approximately 71% of students speak English as an additional language, making language support a core feature of teaching practice.

The school uses the Seneca learning platform to supplement classroom teaching, offering students resources for revision and independent study. Technology is integrated to support learning rather than replace traditional teaching methods. Lessons follow clear structures with high expectations, though pacing may be adjusted to ensure all students can access content.

The school maintains strong links with universities and employers, as recognised by Ofsted inspectors. Sixth form leavers pursue diverse pathways. In 2023-24, the majority (56%) entered higher education. Beyond Cambridge, the school has established relationships with universities including the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and other institutions across the Russell Group and post-92 universities.

A smaller group pursue alternatives to the traditional university route. Apprenticeships account for 5% of leavers, with students entering diverse fields from engineering to business administration. Employment accounts for 11% of leavers, often in roles directly related to their studies. Further education (2%) allows some students to progress via alternative routes.

The school's "Focus on Your Future" careers programme begins early, with Year 9 students engaging in career exploration activities. Employer partnerships provide insights into workplace expectations and skill requirements. The school has developed collaborations with local employers that provide work-experience opportunities and mentoring.

For younger students, the majority progress from Year 11 to the school's own sixth form, though some choose to pursue post-16 education at other institutions. The transition to secondary school is supported through a dedicated primary-transition programme, ensuring that Year 6 pupils experience the school before arrival in September.

The school provides an extensive array of opportunities to develop student talents and interests, a strength highlighted in the recent Ofsted inspection. Activities span music, drama, sport, academic competitions, and student leadership.

Music

Music is an active area of school life. The school offers instrumental and vocal one-to-one lessons to students across all year groups, with visiting specialists providing tuition in keyboard, guitar, brass, woodwind, and other instruments. Multiple ensembles provide performance opportunities. The Lawnswood School Choir engages students from across the age range. A Jazz Band caters to those with interest in contemporary music. The Symphony Orchestra brings together more advanced musicians. An informal Lunch Time Singing Club offers a relaxed space for students keen on vocal work. These ensembles perform at school events, local venues, and contribute to assemblies throughout the year.

Drama

Drama provision ranges from classroom-based work integrated across the curriculum to specialist GCSE and A-level courses. The school stages regular productions. The Annual School Production, typically a large-scale musical or drama, involves a cast of 50+ students alongside technical and design crews. Sixth form students often lead behind-the-scenes roles. Smaller productions are staged by year groups and house systems, creating additional opportunities for participation. Drama students also attend theatre trips and work with visiting theatre companies.

STEM and Technology

The school emphasises science and technology across all phases. Laboratory facilities support practical work in biology, chemistry, and physics. Technology facilities include CAD/CAM design studios, reflecting the school's designation as a CAD/CAM Centre of Excellence. Computing students work on programming projects and digital design. The school runs STEM clubs and has established links with local employers in engineering and technology sectors. These partnerships provide mentoring and showcase career pathways.

Sports

Sport is central to school life, with facilities including playing fields, courts, and a gymnasium. Students engage in traditional team sports including football, netball, rugby, and cricket. Tennis is offered both as a curriculum activity and through clubs. Badminton, table tennis, and volleyball provide additional options. House competitions encourage inter-form rivalry and develop teamwork. The school participates in local and regional competitions. Fitness and conditioning programmes support student development.

Student Leadership and Community

The school has formal leadership structures that give students voice. The Student Council enables representation from across year groups. Form representatives meet regularly to discuss whole-school issues. House Captains lead their houses throughout the year. The school newspaper provides opportunities for journalism, design, and photography. Student voice is actively sought in school decision-making, with evidence that student feedback influences policy and practice.

The school promotes community engagement. Students undertake community service through the "Schools of Sanctuary" initiative and charitable fundraising throughout the year. Links with universities provide mentoring and academic enrichment to high-achieving students. The school's Pupil Premium programme directs funding to disadvantaged students, with evidence-based interventions designed to narrow attainment gaps.

Clubs and Enrichment

Beyond the main offerings, clubs cater to diverse interests. The Breakfast Club provides wraparound care and a calm start to the school day. Lunch-time clubs vary termly, reflecting student interests. Subject-specific clubs in English, Mathematics, and Science provide additional support or extension. Debating clubs develop public speaking skills. Chess clubs appeal to strategically-minded students. Arts clubs serve those with creative interests beyond the formal curriculum. A wide range of additional activities ensures that every student can find something aligned with their interests and aspirations.

Lawnswood is a non-selective community school, meaning admission is based on the published admissions criteria rather than entrance examinations or academic tests. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 572 applications for 258 places into Year 7 in the most recent admissions round. This represents a 2.22:1 ratio of applications to offers, indicating that securing a place requires priority under the admissions policy.

The published oversubscription criteria, administered by Leeds Local Authority, prioritises looked-after children and those with exceptional circumstances. Thereafter, places are allocated by distance from the school's gates, with priority given to those living closest. Sibling priority applies to those with brothers or sisters already attending.

Sixth form entry is available both to internal Year 11 students and external applicants. Students transferring from Year 11 to sixth form follow a straightforward progression if they meet the entry requirements for their chosen subjects. External candidates apply directly and attend an interview. The school seeks students with a track record of engagement and a commitment to study at level 3.

The school participates in the standard admissions timetable. The Open Evening typically occurs in autumn, with multiple dates available to allow all families to visit. Tours of the school showcase facilities and enable prospective students to meet current students and staff.

The Ofsted inspection noted that the school creates a positive environment in which students feel happy and safe. This reflects a structured approach to pastoral care that operates across multiple levels.

Form tutors provide the primary pastoral relationship. They monitor attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing on a daily basis. Tutor groups meet each morning and afternoon, providing consistent adult contact. Form tutors know their students in depth and escalate concerns to senior staff when additional support is needed.

Year teams, led by a Year Leader, provide secondary pastoral oversight. Year Leaders oversee behaviour management, coordinate with parents, and identify students who may benefit from targeted interventions. Regular year assemblies build community and reinforce expectations.

The school employs dedicated staff to support vulnerable students. The SEND team provides advice and coordination for students with identified learning needs. Those with Education, Health and Care Plans receive coordinated support. The school is designated a "Schools of Sanctuary," indicating a commitment to supporting asylum seekers and refugees integrating into the school community.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing are taken seriously. The school offers counselling services through school-employed counsellors. Peer support systems train older students to offer guidance to younger peers. Staff undergo training in mental health first aid and trauma-informed practice.

The behaviour policy emphasises restorative practices, aiming to rebuild relationships and understanding rather than rely purely on punishment. Consequences are applied fairly and consistently, with clear communication to parents. The school works with families to support behaviour change.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. A Breakfast Club begins at 8:00am, providing a supervised space for students arriving early. This wraparound care is particularly valuable for working parents. After-school supervision is not formally published on the school website; families should contact the school directly to enquire about after-school provision.

The school is located on Ring Road in the Lawnswood area of Leeds, LS16 5AG. Nearest public transport includes bus services operated by First Bus, with regular routes serving the school from across Leeds. The school does not operate a dedicated transport service; families arrange their own travel. Parking at the school is limited. The local primary schools feeding into Year 7 include schools from across south Leeds and beyond, reflecting the school's role as a community comprehensive.

Lunch is provided through school catering, with meals served in the dining hall. The school offers both hot meals and a cold choices option to accommodate dietary requirements and preferences. Payment is made through the online system. Students may bring packed lunches.

The school uniform is compulsory and consists of a blazer in the school colours, black trousers or skirt, white shirt, and the school tie. Sixth form students wear blazers but have greater flexibility in choice of formal wear. Regular uniform checks are conducted.

Below-average progress measures: The Progress 8 score of -0.26 indicates that students progress slightly below the national average between ages 11 and 16. This suggests that the school's intake at age 11 may be attaining above their cohort average, or that the school is not yet achieving sufficient acceleration. Families should explore what interventions the school has implemented to address this and request evidence of recent trends.

A-level performance: With only 31% of A-level grades at A*-B, the sixth form is positioned below national averages. This reflects a comprehensive intake across the sixth form that includes students across the full attainment range. For students targeting highly selective universities, the sixth form may present greater competition than in selective independent schools.

Oversubscribed entry: With 2.22 applications per place, entry into Year 7 is competitive. Families should verify their distance from the school and confirm they fall within realistic distance bands, as proximity is the primary admissions criterion after siblings and vulnerable groups.

Diverse cohort with English language needs: Approximately 71% of students speak English as an additional language. Whilst the school has strong EAL support, this represents a significant linguistic diversity that shapes teaching approaches. Families should consider whether their child would benefit from schools with different demographic profiles.

Lawnswood School is a comprehensive secondary school serving a diverse community with clear strengths in creating an inclusive, safe environment. The school embeds confidence and fuels ambition through structured pastoral care, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and strong links to universities and employers. Results sit at the national middle, indicating a mixed-attainment cohort. The school's trajectory is improving, with recognition in recent Ofsted feedback of positive developments.

Best suited to families seeking a non-selective secondary in west Leeds where diversity is a strength and community values are emphasised. The school works well for students who thrive in collaborative, inclusive environments and who benefit from clear pastoral structures. Less suitable for families prioritising the highest academic outcomes or a narrow, academically selective peer group; families in this category should explore selective grammar schools or independent alternatives. Entry is challenging due to oversubscription; families should carefully verify their position relative to admissions distance criteria.