Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s team of independent school experts is highly regarded for its assistance on employment, safeguarding, and governance matters. Additionally, the team covers matters such as employee compensation, pension issues, and sensitive matters involving students, their parents and staff, including investigation into allegations of sex discrimination. ’Discrimination law specialist’ Gemma Woodhouse leads the practice from Reading and is noted for her expertise in special educational needs, discrimination and employment issues. Hazar El-Chamaa is the key advisor in immigration matters. ‘Exceptional’ Katie Glendinning is experienced in advising independent schools in an array of employment issues. Victoria Spires covers a range of contentious and non-contentious employment law.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Penningtons Manches Cooper are experienced in presenting independent schools in complex education and employment law matters. They have particular expertise in dealing with complex discrimination claims.’
‘Gemma Woodhouse is a discrimination law specialist. She is very personable, always well prepared and sensitive to the commercial needs of her clients.’
‘The team are uniquely positioned in the Education Law field due to additional expertise in employment, child safeguarding and commercial law. This breadth of experience is invaluable for school clients.’
‘Katie Glendinning and Gemma Woodhouse are sensational.’
‘Katie Glendinning is exceptional. She is highly quick to respond to queries, provides guidance that is detailed and clear and she is able to give practical advice that has impact for the school. Of all the external agencies we work with, Katie is the single most outstanding practitioner and she had made a significant positive difference to our school and business.’
‘Gemma Woodhouse is superb. Her experience and knowledge are relevant to our members and they find her incredibly approachable. She is always able to help.’
‘Katie Glendinning has been such a help in so many ways. She is professional, yet approachable and understanding.’
Key clients
- Wellington College
- Licensed Trade Charity
- Minerva Virtual Academy
- Sylvia Young Theatre School
- Falkner House
- St John’s Preparatory School
- Mander Portman Woodward
- Haberdasher’s Aske Schools
- Francis Holland School
- Town Close School
- Heritage School t/a Childlight
- Scarisbrick Hall
- Davenies School
- Godstowe Preparatory School
- Arnold Lodge
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gemma Woodhouse