England - London • Public sector
VWV
The education team at VWV stands out for its strategic and operational expertise and is widely considered a ‘market leader in the independent schools sector’. The team is trusted to assist with high-value projects, including major school acquisitions and sales, restructuring matters, and academy trust formations. Clients also frequently instruct the team, which has strong relationships with major sector organisations and regulators, to advise on regulatory matters in the context of safeguarding and equality issues. Barney Northover, who has advised independent schools on some of the most significant mergers and governance matters in the sector, co-leads the practice from Bristol with Chloe Brunton, who provides advice to academies and MATs on conversions and reorganisations. Also in Bristol, Simon Bevan continues to be highly regarded for his expertise across the spectrum of employment and discrimination matters. Alice Reeve, who divides her time between Bristol and Birmingham, has advised on major safeguarding matters and provided employment advice in the context of industrial action, and London-based lawyer Yvonne Spencer is a key contact for complex regulatory matters involving parental claims and complaints.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘VWV's team has a broad range of experience, which means that we are confident that any legal query will be dealt with by someone with an understanding of the education sector.’
‘Chloe Brunton is a genuine leader in the sector. She is responsive, empathetic and comes up with solutions rather than focusing on the worst case scenario. Nick Murrell has provided valuable advice on some tricky employment law issues and has a very sensible approach to solving problems.’
‘Good, broad knowledge of all education law.’
‘The VWV Education team is regarded as a market leader in the independent schools sector. They remain up-to-date in all issues facing schools and are therefore able to actively advise and participate in strategic debates with the executive and governing bodies, rather than merely provide advice on identified solutions.’
‘Barney Northover is a highly knowledgeable and experienced legal professional who understands the issues facing schools and how effective management and governance impacts on outcomes. He treats each school on an individual basis, seeking to identify solutions that are relevant for their particular solution rather than enforce a previously used methodology. He is rare in the legal profession in that he is willing to spend much of his time listening! Barney is often in a position where he is presenting solutions to issues that schools have yet to identify.’
- ‘Sian Champkin's positive can-do attitude has ensured that outcomes have been achieved when with others the project may have ground to a halt. She is very knowledgeable and understands both the issues facing schools today and potential issues on the horizon.’
Key clients
- Aurora Academies Trust
- Aylesbury Grammar School
- Charterhouse School
- Cheltenham Ladies' College
- Clifton College
- Concept Education
- Cranleigh School
- Creative Education Trust
- E-ACT
- Enlighten Learning Trust
- Haberdashers' Aske's Federation Trust
- Harris Federation
- JFS School
- London Diocesan Board for Schools
- Monmouth Schools
- Orchard Hill College Academy Trust
- Pangbourne College
- Rugby School
- Sikh Academies Trust
- South Bank Academies
- The Golden Thread Alliance
- The Harpur Trust
- The Heart Education Trust
- The Skinners Company
- The Skinners' School
- Tove Learning Trust
- United Learning Trust
Work highlights
- Advised The Skinners' Company and its family of schools on the formation of a new multi academy trust.
- Advised the Moreton Hall Educational Trust on the sale of the school, providing strategic advice and technical advice including charity, corporate, employment, real estate, commercial and regulatory compliance.
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.
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Barney Northover, Chloe Brunton