Expert education lawyers providing specialist legal advice to schools
Recognised experts in education advice to maintained, academy, independent and free schools
Blake Morgan’s Education team are recognised experts in helping schools and other education providers in all the areas where they need advice. We are proud to work in partnership with maintained, academy, independent and free schools across England and Wales to provide specialist, practical advice from our network of offices.
Main Areas Of Practice
We have a very experienced team of education lawyers. Our experience includes:
Governance and administration
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 of education providers
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.
Funding arrangements
Our education experts work with you to secure the best funding arrangements to meet your needs. This includes banking finance and funding for development.
DfE and local authority matters
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.
Faith schools and academies
We are experienced in advising diocesan authorities on all legal aspects relating to faith schools and academies.
Employment and pensions
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.
Equality and discrimination
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.
Data protection
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.
Special Educational / Additional Learning Needs
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.
Child protection
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.
Fitness to practice
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.
Pupil and parental conduct
Our education experts advise on all aspects of pupil discipline, suspension and exclusions. We also advise in relation to the consequences of parental conduct.
Finance
Our expert team advises on financial arrangements including shared equity arrangements, fast track debt collection and security, consumer credit, staff loans and financial regulation.
Procurement
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.
Property
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.
Dispute management
We work closely with schools to resolve conflicts quickly. We focus on finding a resolution so that you can focus on your students.
Income generation
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.
Academy conversions and free schools
We act for schools, single academy trusts, multi-academy trusts and sponsored converters (amongst others).
Related Expertise
Our Clients
Our clients include maintained and independent schools, free schools, academies and multi-academy trusts, educational charities, educational businesses, local authorities and (in appropriate cases) individuals and parents.
Highlights
Our Experts
BM Insights
We are delighted to host a virtual webinar being held on Wednesday 20 March between 10am and 11am giving an update on the latest in procurement law.
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This article summarises the updates made to the Suspension and Permanent Exclusion from maintained schools guidance, which applies to maintained schools and academies in England.
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The Department of Education (DfE) has published revised statutory guidance which applies to all organisations and agencies who have functions relating to children and young peoples under the age of...
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With the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER) entering its establishment period before becoming fully operational in April 2024, we take a look at its key features and what...
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This article covers the implications of the recent High Court decision in the case of TZA v A Secondary School, and the applicability of the Public Sector Equality Duty.
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A new report published by the Beyond Ofsted Inquiry has deemed Ofsted as not fit for purpose and as having a detrimental impact on schools, which some perceive as toxic....
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