Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s team of independent school specialists is well-regarded for its advice on employment, safeguarding, and governance issues, with a notable record of advising on employee compensation and pension matters as well as sensitive student and staff disciplinary issues. Practice head Gemma Woodhouse, who practices from Reading, is particularly noted for her understanding of matters related to students with special educational needs and is also a key contact for discrimination and employment issues. Katie Glendinning is also based in Reading and is recommended for her employment expertise, while London-based lawyer Hazar El-Chamaa provides schools with critical regulatory compliance advice, especially on immigration matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The education team is of genuine exceptional quality.’
‘Gemma Woodhouse is a class act. Excellent knowledge of the law, great with clients, and a wonderful crossover understanding of education/employment/safeguarding. Would unreservedly recommend.’
‘Unique ability to cover both education and employment law, so a stand-out firm for school clients. Really strong team.’
‘Katie Glendinning is our primary point of contact with Penningtons, and she is exceptional. Katie is timely with her responses, which are always thorough and detailed, providing specific support and guidance. Katie's ability to provide quick support as well as work through complex matters is impressive. At the heart of Katie's high quality is her willingness to understand us and the core values we operate within. Katie is able to then ground her advice both in terms of the legal framework we operate in, but also within the values we hold important to us. Alongside this, she has a highly personal approach that makes you feel very valued as a client.’
‘Penningtons have been superb legal partners for us. The breadth and depth of their expertise is extensive, and we have had numerous positive reports from our members. Not only do they give excellent advice, they also take the time to understand our members and fully appreciate their needs.’
‘Good and through understanding of independent schools, leading to clear, practical advice.’
‘Gemma Woodhouse is a creative thinker and gives good, pragmatic advice. I value Gemma's honesty, clear guidance, and being able to engage with different people in my organisation.’
‘Gemma Woodhouse was outstanding, very responsive in a difficult situation, and technically very strong.’
Key clients
- Arnold Lodge School
- Association for the Education and Guardianship of International students
- Beaconsfield Educational Trust (Davenies)
- Bedford Greenacre Independent School
- Brampton College
- Cambridge Tutors College
- Caversham Preparatory School
- Cognita Schools
- Crosfields School
- Falkner House Preparatory School
- Haberdashers’ Aske’s Elstree Schools Limited
- Hampstead Hill School
- Independent Schools Association
- King’s House School
- Mander Portman Woodward
- Notre Dame Prep School
- Prior’s Field School
- Reed’s School
- Scarisbrick Hall
- School’s Enterprise Association
- Shrewsbury House School Trust
- St John’s College School
- St John’s Preparatory School
- Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship
- The Licensed Trade Charity
- The Oratory Schools Association
- The Stephen Perse Foundation
- Wellington College
Work highlights
- Acted for The Oratory Schools Association on the disposal of a significant development site to a UK housebuilder.
- Advised a leading Charity with three Independent Schools on the review of its employment contracts and on the application of legislation to the calculation of holiday.
- Advised Haberdashers’ Aske’s Schools on complicated disciplinary and grievance issues, with potential safeguarding consequences.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gemma Woodhouse