Highly regarded for representing various independent schools in a wide range of matters, including Teachers’ Pension Scheme withdrawal, sensitive safeguarding issues and the issue of national strike action, Harrison Clark Rickerbys‘ education department is adept in transactions, trustee advice, data protection, employment and specialist education sector legal and regulatory counsel. Cheltenham-based Kristine Scott leads the practice, advising on a range of specialist education matters, in safeguarding, including sensitive dismissals, pupil exclusions and parental complaints. Rachel Parkin and Oliver Daniels are recognised for their expertise in employment law and teachers' strike guidance. Emma Swann assists maintained schools, academies, independent schools and colleges on a wide range of issues, while real estate specialist Morgan West is a key figure for land transactions and academy conversions. Senior associate Paul Watkins is noted for his data protection work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Education team is accessible, responsive and experienced.’
‘Rachel Parkin is approachable, supportive, thoughtful and experienced. She is clear and pragmatic in her advice, offering guidance and solutions with a view to achieving early resolution of disputes. She is realistic about what is required, what might additionally be seen as reasonable and she understands the impact of disputes both on the organisation and on the individual(s) involved.’
‘Recognised leaders in the education field and highly collaborative, creative thinkers.’
‘Kristine Scott is hugely well regarded by clients and has a great team including Rachel Parkin.’
‘Extraordinary knowledge of the sector coupled with a pragmatic and sensible approach to legal advice.’
‘Superb attention to detail, timely and comprehensive advice and a real understanding of what is important to a school.’
Key clients
- Global Schools Group
- Sherborne School
- Tonbridge School
- The Independent Schools’ Bursars Association
- Canford School
- St Mary’s School Ascot
- 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
- Advice and guidance to the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA) on significant issues for the education sector. Harrison Clark Rickerbys are also the preferred legal advisor to the ISBA and their 1,300 member schools.
- Advised the new Board of Trustees by setting up a new charitable incorporated organisation, registered at the Charity Commission and Companies House, and guided them through the various issues that arose during the course of the transaction.
- Act on the Ruthin Education Limited's behalf by its Chinese investors in relation to the acquisition due to our expertise on corporate acquisitions and knowledge of the Welsh education regulatory requirements.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kristine Scott