Noted for its capabilities in the higher education sector, Browne Jacobson LLP also advises maintained schools, independent schools and academies on operational and strategic issues across the educational spectrum. Julia Green leads the team from the firm’s Exeter office and regularly assists schools in their transfer to academy and trust status. Bettina Rigg is particularly strong in educational mandates with a distinct employment law aspect. Other key names within the practice include Victoria Hatton, recommended for her expertise in Church of England School matters, and Daniella Glynn, who is well placed to advise on HR issues in education.
Education in South West
Browne Jacobson LLP
Practice head(s):
Julia Green
Other key lawyers:
Bettina Rigg; Victoria Hatton; Daniella Glynn
Key clients
An Daras Multi Academy Trust
Ansford Academy Trust
Bath & North East Somerset Council
Bath & Wells Diocesan Academy Trust
Bournemouth Poole & Christchurch Council
Brunel University
Central RSA Academies Trust
Coast Academies Trust
Colyton Grammar School
Cornwall Education Learning Trust
Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust
Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust
Diocese of Salisbury Multi Academy Trust
Durrington Multi Academy Trust
Exmouth Academy Trust
Falmouth Multi Academy Trust
Finham Park Multi Academy Trust
GLF Schools
Greengate Academy Trust
Hayes School
Heathercombe Brake Trust
Heathfield School
Horrington Primary School
Iron Mill College
Kernow Learning
Kings Langley School
Leading Edge Academies Partnership
Lighthouse Schools Partnership
Linwood School
Lion Academy Trust
Lion Education Trust
North Somerset Council
Osprey Learning Trust
Preston Primary Academy Trust
Quantock Multi Academy Trust
Raedwald Trust
Ringwood School
Severn Foundation
South Devon College
South Gloucestershire Council
Steyning Grammar School
Swindon Borough Council
The Castle Partnership
The First Federation
The Inspire Multi Academy Trust
The Levels Academy Trust
The Sentient Trust
The Youth Engagement Schools Trust
Timberley Academy Trust
Trewirgie Junior School
Twynham Learning
Uffculme Academy Trust
University of Winchester Academy Trust
Ventrus Limited
Warrington Primary Academy Trust
Wessex Learning Trust
Wessex Multi Academy Trust
Westcountry Schools Trust
Westfield School
Wimborne Academy Trust
Work highlights
- Defending claims of disability discrimination against schools and academy trusts in the First Tier Tribunal.
- Advising various stakeholders on a range of SEN matters.
Stone King LLP
Stone King LLP is turned to by a broad range of educational institutions on issues such as academy conversions and transfers, procurement and operational pupil issues. Latterly, the team is advising a growing number of schools on their commercial agreements. The Bath-based team is chaired by Helen Tucker, for whom school groups is a fixture of her practice focus. Her colleague Michael Brotherton handles a growing number of matters pertaining to the Equality Act 2010 while Ciara Campfield advises across schools, further and higher education mandates. Elizabeth Fortin is well versed in matters related to students with education health and care plans.
Practice head(s):
Helen Tucker
Other key lawyers:
Michael Brotherton; Ciara Campfield; Elizabeth Fortin
Testimonials
‘Ciara Campfield is super supportive and passionate about colleges.’
‘The ongoing teamwork and support provided is second to none.’
‘Experts in their respective fields. Great customer service and understanding of the sector.’
‘This big-hitting education specialist firm still manages to retain the personal touch when dealing with clients. Their experience in the sector is very reassuring to our organisation, particularly when it is involved in significant change.’
‘Professional, pragmatic and responsive.’
‘There is a calmness to their approach that is reassuring, particularly when legislation around our sector can change dramatically and with little warning. Other firms can appear overly corporate and therefore somehow distanced from the topic.’
‘Excellent advice. Great communication. Timely responses. Approachable lawyers who provide information in an accessible way.’
Key clients
Autism Partnership Leeds
Abbey Multi Academy Trust
Active Learning Trust
Ashlyns School
Beaconsfield High School
Beth Jacob Grammar School
Bristol Steiner School
Challoner’s High School
Chester Diocesan Academy Trust
City of Rochester School
Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust
Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust
Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust
Downside School
Dunottar School
Felsted
Futura Learning Partnership
Future Academies
Greenshaw Learning Trust
Guildford High School
Immanuel College
King Edwards’s School Bath
Kingswood School
Leigh Academies Trust
Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership
Monkton Combe School
Oasis Community Learning
Oastlers
PACE Academy Trust
Palladian Academy Trust
Peterborough Diocese Education Trust
Prep Schools Trust
Princethorpe Foundation
Prior Park College
Sheiling School
Shiplake School
Sixth Form Colleges’ Association
St John’s Beaumont School
St Columba’s College
The College of Richard Collyer
The Girls’ Day School Trust
The Partnership Trust
Thorpe Hall School
United Church Schools Trust
West Suffolk College, part of Eastern Colleges Group
Wright Robinson College
Wycombe Abbey School
VWV
VWV ’s ‘market-leading’ Bristol team acts for academies, multi-academy trusts, independent schools and universities on a range of strategic and operational matters, including work in anticipation of large-scale political and legislative shifts. The unit is also well-known in the market for schools transactions, spanning sales, purchases, and charity mergers. Barney Northover and Chloe Brunton head up the team from the firm’s Bristol office. Simon Bevan is well versed in employment and discrimination law matters, while Tabitha Cave leads on safeguarding for the firm. Chloe Brunton, Con Alexander and Naseem Nabi are additionally noted for their capabilities.
Practice head(s):
Barney Northover; Chloe Brunton
Other key lawyers:
Simon Bevan; Tabitha Cave; Chloe Brunton; Con Alexander; Naseem Nabi; Kris Robbetts; Robin Rajanah; Rachel Tonkin
Testimonials
‘The VWV Bristol team are recognised as market leading in relation to offering advice and guidance in the Independent School’s market, which stems from their deep understanding of the sector.’
‘Barney Northover has huge experience in the schools sector and the unusual ability to genuinely listen and learn from clients prior to coming forward with innovative and creative solutions.’
‘ VWV continue to be the most personable and professional in all that they do.’
‘Chloe Brunton is amongst the best.’
‘Specialists who know the area, the relevant legislation and guidance and apply all that to the problem at hand.’
‘Kris Robbetts provides the right level of tailored advice.’
Key clients
Bath Spa University
Bournemouth University
New College Swindon
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University of South Wales
Cabot Learning Federation
The Priory Learning Trust
Excalibur Academies Trust
Cotham School
Truro Diocesan Board of Education
Trust in Learning (Academies)
Cathedral Schools Trust
Reach South Academy Trust
Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust
Clifton College
Bristol Grammar School
Monmouth Schools
Rugby School
Cheltenham Ladies
Pangbourne College
Cranleigh School
Badminton School
Work highlights
- Advised on the merger of The Pathway Academy Trust and The Galaxy Trust (two multi academy trusts) to form ‘The Golden Thread Alliance’.
- Represented the Harpur Trust from 2013 through to judgment in July 2022, in the leading holiday pay case for the education sector (and wider economy).
- Advised the governors (charity trustees) of Moreton Hall Educational Trust Limited on their duties and responsibilities and helped them find an investor to avoid closure.
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP‘s strong focus on university-driven mandates is complemented by work for governing institutions such as OFSTED and providers of work-based training and apprenticeships – an area of growing activity for the firm. Matthew Ramus, who leads the Bristol education team, frequently works with the Department for Education on education and children’s services transition projects, among other matters. Luke Bowery‘s contentious and non-contentious expertise notably covers employment tribunal claims, while John Houlden frequently advises on procurement issues for major education projects. Huw Cooke is recommended for his business immigration expertise.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Ramus
Other key lawyers:
Luke Bowery; John Houlden; Huw Cooke
Testimonials
‘Customer service; knowledge and expertise; reliability.’
‘Accessible, friendly, know our business.’
Key clients
Guernsey registered non-profit
The Department for Education
University of Bristol
The Safeguarding Company Limited
Ascent
Trustees of the Cardiff University Pension Fund
QS
Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Children’s Trust Limited
Shareholders of Firebrand Training
Bud Systems
W H Ireland Ltd
Gemba
University of Exeter
York St John University
University of Oxford
University of the West of England
Bath Spa University
Cardiff University
OFSTED
Office for Students
Reading Borough Council
Work highlights
- Advised central and local government on Children’s Services restructuring programmes and “Alternative Delivery Models” for over 9 years.
- Advising the University of Bristol in connection with a new £300m campus development in Bristol city centre.
- Advised the trustees of the Cardiff University Pension Fund on a proposal by the sponsoring employer to make benefit changes to the scheme.
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Harrison Clark Rickerbys' significant record in the independent schools sector is exemplified by its frequent and varied work for the Independent Schools Bursar’s Association. The broad practice spans teachers’ pensions, safeguarding issues, mergers and the sale of publicly funded land. ‘Stand-out lawyer’ Kristine Scott heads the Cheltenham-based team; her recent areas of focus include issues relating to national strike action and school inspections. Rachel Parkin‘s practice spans restructuring, disciplinary action, and senior severance advisory. Morgan West and Paul Watkins are further key contacts to note.
Practice head(s):
Kristine Scott
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Parkin; Morgan West; Hannah Wilding; Oliver Daniels; Paul Watkins
Testimonials
‘HCR are incredibly knowledgable on the education sector. They are professional and offer wise advice which is practical and useful. ’
‘Oliver Daniels really stands out individually regarding the work he completed for our school. He is calm, measured, professional and extremely knowledgable. Krissie Scott is also superb.’
‘Rachel Parkin and Hannah Wilding have been invaluable in helping us work through some very complex staffing issues in this last year.’
‘The Education Team are market leading, regularly providing timely and pragmatic advice on a range of complex cases.’
‘Kristine Scott is the stand-out lawyer of her field. She always makes time to speak with her clients personally.’
‘Expert knowledge of the sector and the issues facing independent schools. They keep schools up to date with responsive bulletins on hot topics, with sufficient detail.’
‘Kristine Scott is collaborative, pragmatic and understands the big picture for all issues facing schools’
‘I have worked closely with Oliver Daniels on a number of matters and he is always very knowledgeable and practical with the advice provided.’
Key clients
The Independent Schools’ Bursars Association
Canford School
St Mary’s School Ascot
Headington School
Holy Cross Preparatory
The Royal Masonic School for Girls
Cheltenham Ladies College
Uppingham School
St Dunstan’s College
Independent Schools’ Council
Cheltenham College
Wellingborough School
Stamford Endowed Schools
Stowe School
St Peter’s York
Work highlights
- Provided advice and guidance to the ISBA over the past year and advised on significant issues for the education sector.
- Provided detailed and tailored training to Headington School which formed part of the school’s evidence when inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
- Assisted St Edward’s School, Cheltenham in seeking a potential buyer or merging partner as well as providing legal advice on the actual sale or merger.
PHP Law LLP
Described by clients as ‘a legal team with real heart and personality’, PHP Law LLP advises on PFI projects and procurement as well as providing strategic support to local authorities, school trusts and college trusts. The practice is jointly led by Antony Power, Laura Partridge, Russell Holland and Josie Medforth. Jason Stanley leverages his knowledge of property law on mandates such as school site acquisitions.
Practice head(s):
Antony Power; Laura Partridge; Russell Holland; Josie Medforth
Other key lawyers:
Jason Stanley
Testimonials
‘A friendly and knowledgeable team with an abundance of experience working in the education sector.’
‘Antony Power and Laura Partridge go the extra mile to ensure the client is kept up to date and well informed.’
‘Very strong in the education sector – deep and broad knowledge of law and practice.’
‘Antony Power is organised, has strong interpersonal skills and is a great conciliator.’
‘This is a legal team with a real heart and personality. The partners have a wide background in all aspects of education law, from the complexities of special needs work through to the most tricky of academy work.’
‘Laura Partridge was an absolute stand-out partner to work with.’
‘PHPLaw are specialists in the education sector who take the time to get to know your school context and build relationships, we always feel secure in the advice they are giving because of that.’
‘The key selling points are the partners availability, calm and measured approach. Across the firm, you have depth of knowledge.’
Key clients
Grove Learning Partnership
Embark Multi Academy Trust
Central Co-operative Learning Trust
Esteem Multi Academy Trust
Equals Academy Trust
Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust
The Academy for Character and Excellence
Link Academy Trust
St Christopher’s C of E MAT
Callywith College Trust
Dorset Council
Aspire Academy Trust
The Academy for Character and Excellence
Extoll Academy Trust
South West Institute for Teaching
TEAM Multi Academy Trust
Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust
The First Federation Trust
Otterpool Park PLC
PGL Training
Delt Shared Services Limited
Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust
Torquay Girls Grammar School
Transforming Futures Multi Academy Trust Limited
Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust
Acorn Multi Academy Trust
Riviera Education Trust
Ashfordby Hill Academy Trust
The Rise Partnership Trust
Reading Borough Council
Budehaven Community School
Fusion School Services Limited
The Bude Communities Schools Trust
Great Learners Trust
The First Federation Trust
Academies Enterprise Trust
Castle Gate Legal & Commercial Ltd
WAVE Multi Academy Trust
The Stour Academy Trust
Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust
Truro and Penwith Academy Trust
Learning Academy Partnership (South West)
Academy for Character and Excellence
WAVE Multi Academy Trust
Southerly Point Co-operative MAT
Uffculme Academy Trust
Ventrus MAT
Tarka Learning Partnership
Work highlights
- Advised Academies Enterprise Trust in relation to a procurement challenge.
- Advised Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust on the descoping of a schools PFI project.
- Advised Southerly Point Co-operative Multi Academy Trust on a rebrokerage.
Wilsons
Frequently sought out by clients from the independent schools sector, Wilsons‘ education offering encompasses advice on employment law and governance issues, while the team also handle a wide range of disputes. Debbie Ashenhurst, who divides her time between Salisbury and Wiltshire, leads the team and counts disputes, data protection and reputation management among her practice strengths. Jennifer Martindale frequently assists schools with fee recoveries.
Practice head(s):
Debbie Ashenhurst
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Martindale