Expert education lawyers providing specialist legal advice to schools

Over recent years the educational landscape has changed significantly for schools. Our education experts stay up to date with proposed and upcoming changes to education law and regulation. We understand what these changes mean for your school and are able to provide commercial, pragmatic advice on all areas of governance and administration.

Mergers between education providers are growing in popularity. Our education experts understand the key issues and can help you secure a successful outcome for you and your school.

Our education experts work with you to secure the best funding arrangements to meet your needs. This includes banking finance and funding for development.

We keep up to date with the latest advice from the DfE and updates from our local government team to ensure we are one step ahead and understand how changes to policy and regulations will impact you and your school. Where appropriate we can help represent and liaise with the DfE or your local authority.

We are experienced in advising diocesan authorities on all legal aspects relating to faith schools and academies.

Our Education team draw on expertise from our employment experts to provide specialist advice on a range of HR and employment issues to both private and public sector education clients.

We help our education clients better understand how the Equality Act 2010 applies to them to help foster an inclusive environment for the benefit of staff and students.

Education institutions hold a wealth of data on their students, partners and employees. We help you navigate the data protection laws including GDPR and Freedom of Information to ensure that your information is secure and compliant.

We provide advice in relation to appeals brought by children, young people, their parents or case friends relating to Special Educational Needs and/or Additional Learning Needs (from 1 Sep 2021 onwards in Wales). From negotiations relating to EHCs, Statements or IDPs in an attempt to avoid an appeal to the Tribunal, to representation at and the administration of Tribunal proceedings (through to appeals to the Upper Tribunal), we have the expertise to assist Local Authorities, CCGs, Health Boards and educational institutions in relation to their roles and responsibilities throughout the process.

Our education experts support you in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of your students and are experienced in advising on sensitive matters including child protection, safeguarding and health and safety. We also offer a 24/7 critical incident service in the event of a crisis or emergency.

If the conduct or performance of a member of your teaching staff is called into question, our education experts work closely with our regulatory team to provide expert advice.

Our education experts advise on all aspects of pupil discipline, suspension and exclusions. We also advise in relation to the consequences of parental conduct.

Our expert team advises on financial arrangements including shared equity arrangements, fast track debt collection and security, consumer credit, staff loans and financial regulation.

Whether you are exchanging contracts for commercial services or making an investment in facilities for your school, we are able to help you secure the best outcome for you and your students.

We advise schools on managing their property portfolio from planning and construction right through to development and disposals. Our experience covers school buildings land, playing fields, staff residences and shared leisure or community facilities.

We work closely with schools to resolve conflicts quickly. We focus on finding a resolution so that you can focus on your students.

From fundraising and legacies, schools are taking a commercial approach to income generation and our education experts have the knowledge and experience to help drive forward and generate new income for your school.

We act for schools, single academy trusts, multi-academy trusts and sponsored converters (amongst others).