Education

Our expert charity lawyers provide strategic advice on the unique regulatory and governance challenges faced by educational institutions with charitable status. We assist schools, colleges, and universities in navigating compliance with the Charities Act, ensuring that their operations align with public benefit requirements. Our specialist team also advise on trustee responsibilities, fundraising regulations, and the implications of political activities, helping institutions to safeguard their charitable status while achieving their educational objectives.

• Successfully represented Cambridge Islamic College in a £5m tribunal appeal against the Charity Commission, which challenged the body’s power to direct a change of name.
• Acted for an independent school being hived off from a diocese into a new charitable company.
• Advised the Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia on the option of their schools becoming academy schools.
• Was the principal solicitor advising Ealing Abbey on the hive-off of St Benedict’s School into a separate charitable company in compliance with The Carlisle Report.
• Advised on the creation and registration of New Schools Network, a charity supporting the establishment of free schools.

The education sector requires assistance on a broad range of commercial and contractual matters. Our team of education experts regularly advise institutions in drafting and negotiating agreements related to partnerships, service provision, and procurement. With a deep understanding of educational operations, we ensure that contractual obligations align with institutional goals and regulatory requirements.

• Advised a UK university on procurement strategy and frameworks for housing and teaching blocks as well as a sports institute.
• Drafted terms and conditions for a media start-up in the education sector.
• Advised a major UK-based developer in respect of the financing of several major student accommodation development projects throughout the UK.
• Acted for King’s College, London, for the negotiation of an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline to provide anti-doping testing for London 2012 Olympics.
• Set up a joint venture between a UK student housing developer and an investment fund to invest £400m across Europe.

Our highly specialist commercial property lawyers advise on all aspects of commercial property within the education sector. From acquiring and disposing of properties to managing lettings and developing student accommodations, we provide comprehensive legal support. We also assist educational institutions in optimising their property portfolios, ensuring compliance with planning laws and maximising asset values.

• Advised a major UK-based developer in respect of the financing of several major student accommodation development projects throughout the UK.
• Acted on a student accommodation project for Nottingham Trent University where Barclays Bank, the lender, was advancing £60m.
• Advised the developer and negotiated the construction documentation for a privately financed development of university student accommodation.
• Set up a joint venture between a UK student housing developer and an investment fund to invest £400m across Europe.

When educational institutions undertake construction and development projects, our team delivers strategic guidance throughout the process. We advise on procurement strategies, contract negotiations, and project management, ensuring that construction initiatives align with institutional objectives, best practices, and regulatory standards. Our experience includes advising on the development of new campuses, refurbishment of existing facilities, and the integration of sustainable building practices.

• Acted on Tower Hamlets Schools Project (c. £70m) and Kirklees Schools PFI.
• Represented a college on issues concerning works carried out on a project to design and build a new school and sporting facilities.
• Advised on structuring considerations for the National Star College in Cheltenham, in relation to new boarding houses with OJEU considerations.
• Advised a construction company in connection with the Tower Hamlets Schools bundle PFI project.
• Drafted and negotiated the building contract for a large-scale refurbishment and new building of graduate and student accommodation for an Oxford University College.
• Acted on a student accommodation project for Nottingham Trent University where Barclays Bank, the lender, was advancing £60m.
• Advised the developer and negotiated the construction documentation for a privately financed development of university student accommodation.
• Advised a major UK-based developer in respect of the financing of several major student accommodation development projects throughout the UK.
• Reviewed and advised on construction fit-out contracts and documentation relating to a veterinary facility at Keele University.
• Advised a number of universities on their multi-million-pound capital expenditure programmes.
• Advised a developer on aspects of its student accommodation development programme.
• Advised the University of Sheffield on its award-winning world-leading new Engineering building.
• Advised the University of Sheffield in relation to its new Social Sciences development.
• Advised a university client on the incorporation of renewable energy for its estate.
• NSW Department of Education and Communities – construction of school facilities in NSW, Australia. Advising on claims for additional services and additional costs by a management contractor and counter claims for damages for defective works by the Department of Education and Communities. Also advised DEC on issues surrounding calling security bonds following the insolvency of the management contractor.
• Advised a major UK university on its network replacement programme to deliver a modern, secure, high-speed wired and wireless campus data network for the entire university.
• The construction aspects for the building of schools at Ealing and York in the UK to the value of £200 million each.
• Drafted and negotiated the building contract, professional appointments and ancillary documents for Magdalen College for the Oxford Science Park Project.
• Drafted and negotiated the building contracts and ancillary documents for Lincoln College development projects in Oxford.
• Swansea University Accommodation Project.
• Slough Schools PFI Project.
• The construction aspects acting for a purchaser of an international technology park in excess of £100 million.

Our corporate lawyers provide expert advice on governance, mergers, and collaborations within educational entities. We support institutions in navigating corporate transactions, ensuring that their organisational frameworks support their educational missions and enabling our clients to comply with corporate regulations and maintain transparency and accountability in their operations resilience.

• Advised university spinouts on start-ups, capital raising and IP exploitation issues.
• Drafted terms and conditions for a leading educational provider.
• Reviewed an independent school’s terms and conditions and operational policies.
• Advised a leading toy manufacturer on the safety and branding aspects of educational toys.
• Drafted agreement and terms and conditions relating to the operation of a private academy.
• Advising on admission appeals in both the state and independent sector.
• Managed communications between clients and a leading independent school in relation to pastoral issues.
• Advised leading tutoring agency Ivy Education on a wide range of issues as “quasi in-house counsel”.

Our education team’s extensive experience helps clients mitigate risks and resolve disputes efficiently. We advise educational institutions on property disputes, contractual disagreements, and other contentious matters, employing alternative dispute resolution methods where appropriate. Our approach focuses on achieving resolutions that protect institutional interests and preserve reputations.

• Acted for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in litigation with a biotechnology company over the conduct of a clinical trial.
• Advised pharmaceutical companies on disputes with animal rights protesters.
• Defended educational negligence claims against schools by pupils with dyslexia.
• Advised on the successful appeal of an expulsion from a leading public school.
• Advising parents on school safeguarding issues.
• Advising on SEN matters and reasonable adjustment requirements.
• Represented the family of a young international rider in relation to allegations of bullying, breach of contract and the mis-selling of the school’s equine facility.
• Advised clients on multiple allegations of assault and bullying.
• Advised on successful appeals of exam grading.
• Advised on appeal of university sanctions.
• Successfully defended an award-winning multi-academy CEO against safeguarding allegations, including a successful (and rare) appeal by way of judicial review against a case management decision of the regulator (adopted by the SOS Education).
• Successfully achieved an adjudication against a quantity surveyor following an allegation by a council of negligent project management which caused delay to the completion of a new school (value of claim £200,000).

Within the education sector, our specialist lawyers advise on a wide range of employment disputes. Representing institutions and individuals in tribunal proceedings on issues such as unfair dismissal, discrimination claims, and contractual disputes, we work swiftly to assess risk, protect reputations, and resolve disputes efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to educational activities.

• Advised higher education institutions and independent schools on Employment Tribunal litigation, conducting cases from submitting the defence to a claim through to a Tribunal hearing or settlement.
• Advised senior university employees and senior teaching staff at independent schools regarding the termination of their employment and negotiating their severance packages and the terms of their settlement agreements.
• Conducted a Tribunal case on behalf of a group of independent schools and successfully defended a claim made by a former employee for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and religious discrimination.
• Defended a claim against a university for unfair dismissal, disability discrimination and failure to make reasonable adjustments.
• Advised a group of teachers in relation to incidents of workplace bullying and harassment and associated whistleblowing issues.
• Acted for various schools and colleges, including defending a group action equal pay claim for the John Madejski Academy.
• Successfully defended a university against a claim of sexual harassment and unfair dismissal.
• Advised a college on a sensitive and complex exit of one of its senior management team, negotiating favourable settlement terms and avoiding threatened claims of discrimination, whistleblowing and constructive unfair dismissal.
• Advised a teacher on disability discrimination and potential constructive dismissal, achieving a settlement significantly in excess of the client’s expectations.
• Successfully defended a university against a claim for equal pay; the Claimant brought a second Tribunal claim in respect of which an application for a strike-out succeeded.
• Advised an Higher Education college on the removal of their Principal following a disputed breakdown in the relationship between the Principal and the Governing Board.
• Advised an independent school with respect to the restructuring of its senior leadership team.

Our highly experienced team provide strategic advice on employment law matters and offer tailored training to educational institutions. Our services include drafting employment contracts, advising on HR policies, recruitment and performance management, and delivering training sessions on topics such as equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our proactive approach helps institutions foster positive workplace cultures and comply with employment legislation.

• Acted for a well-respected legal professor who was based at the Legal Faculty at a leading university on copyright and contract law issues and internal university appeals procedures arising out of various unfounded plagiarism allegations.
• Acted for a number of teachers in the private-school sector on race discrimination, unfair dismissal and redundancy, and misrepresentation issues relating to references involving both contentious and non-contentious advice work.
• Provided advice to an agricultural college providing higher and further education on policy reviews.
• Advised a top independent school on a student exclusion, parental complaint, and dealt with a subject access request made by the parents.
• Reviewed and amended the employment sections of the statutes and regulations of a top collegiate university.
• Acting for major public school on sensitive staff issues.
• Advised a top world-ranking London university on a TUPE transfer.
• Advised higher education institutions and independent schools on all employment law matters, including disciplinary and grievance issues, family-related leave, TUPE transfers and dismissals, including redundancy processes.
• Advised a large UK university on the development of an effective process to manage the tax, social security and payroll obligations associated with its internationally mobile staff.
• Supported a London-based university to deal with a tax enquiry into the employment of a university professor.
• Assisted a UK university to determine its non-UK employment tax compliance obligations triggered by globally remote workers based in Italy and France.
• Provided advice to a UK institute on the development of its international mobility policy.
• Advised a university in relation to a complex tender and resulting staged TUPE transfer, with associated changes to terms and conditions of employment, relocation of staff and redundancies.
• Advised a Russell Group university on the UK and overseas tax, social security and payroll obligations associated with the secondment of a senior lecturer to Germany.
• Acted for an academy school in Bradford on employment law issues.
• Advised an independent school with respect to the restructuring of its senior leadership team.

Educational institutions require support in all aspects of estates management, from strategic planning to day-to-day operations. Advising on property acquisitions, maintenance contracts, and compliance with health and safety regulations, our education experts’ comprehensive approach ensures that estates are managed effectively, supporting the institution’s educational objectives and providing safe, functional environments for students and staff.

• Set up a joint venture between a UK student housing developer and an investment fund to invest £400m across Europe.
• Acted on a student accommodation project for Nottingham Trent University where Barclays Bank, the lender, was advancing £60m.
• Drafted and negotiated building contracts and consultant appointments for a development of B1 mixed-use student accommodation in South West London comprising 347 student beds and 2,100 square metres of office/retail space together with acting for developers on building contracts for other mixed student accommodation and retail unit developments including advice on development finance and subsequent onward finance.
• Providing advice to a student accommodation developer in respect of the development and construction of a mixed-use A1/retail development in West London including preparation of the construction tender documentation and negotiation of professional appointment documents including advice on development finance and subsequent onward finance.
• Dealing with the acquisition of a warehouse building in Leicester for the purpose of conversion and development of student accommodation including advice on development finance and subsequent onward finance.
• Acquisition of a former church building in Nottingham for a student accommodation developer, including advice on the development into student accommodation and development finance.

We have the deep industry knowledge required to advise on financial services within the education sector. Our financial services lawyers provide expert advice on regulatory compliance, investment strategies, and financial governance, assisting institutions in navigating complex financial landscapes and ensuring that their financial practices align with legal requirements and best practices. Our team also advises on risk management and financial planning, supporting institutions in achieving long-term financial sustainability.

• Advised university spinouts on start-ups, capital raising and IP exploitation issues.

Our team of specialist lawyers deliver industry-specific advice and guidance that supports educational institutions in securing funding and managing project finance. We advise on grant applications, public-private partnerships, and investment strategies, ensuring that funding arrangements are legally sound and aligned with institutional goals. Our expertise helps institutions navigate financial complexities, successfully deliver educational initiatives, and achieve successful project outcomes.

• Advised a major UK-based developer in respect of the financing of several major student accommodation development projects throughout the UK.
• Set up a joint venture between a UK student housing developer and an investment fund to invest £400m across Europe.
• Advised university spinouts on start-ups, capital raising and IP exploitation issues.
• Acted on a student accommodation project for Nottingham Trent University where Barclays Bank, the lender, was advancing £60m.

Whether it be advice on visa applications, compliance with immigration regulations, or sponsorship obligations, our specialists assist educational institutions in developing policies and procedures that ensure compliance with UK visa and immigration requirements. Our proactive approach helps mitigate risks and maintain institutional reputations, and attract and retain international students and staff.

• Secured the right for the child of a prominent US businessman to attend private school in the UK, despite a challenging immigration history.
• Persuaded UKVI to allow continued school attendance for the children of a Chinese family, despite changes to their living arrangements that fell outside standard requirements.
• Advised a UK university on sponsor licence implications during a high-value cross-border acquisition.
• Ensured that a major UK-based group of independent schools and colleges retained multiple sponsor licences following a Home Office investigation.
• Led the legal strategy that enabled London Metropolitan University to regain its sponsor licence in 2013.
• Achieved a successful High Court outcome for English UK in R (on the application of English UK Ltd) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2010] EWHC 1726 (Admin), a landmark case for the education sector.

Our highly specialist team advise on all aspects of intellectual property within the education sector. We assist institutions in protecting research outputs, managing licensing agreements, protecting data, and navigating issues and disputes related to trademarks and copyright. Our strategic advice ensures that intellectual property assets are effectively managed, safeguarded, and leveraged to support institutional objectives.

• Acted for a well-respected legal professor who was based at the legal faculty of a leading university on copyright and contract law issues and internal university appeals procedures arising out of various unfounded plagiarism allegations.
• Advised a leading London university on IP commercialisation with IP Group plc.
• Advised a leading UK research institute on intellectual property rights in a database of text messages.
• Advised a research institute on copyright issues relating to a website.
• Provided advice to higher education institutions (and other research and charitable institutions) on research collaboration agreements and intellectual property licence agreements.

• Advised and drafted collaboration between a client and a leading university for the creation of educational films, their exploitation and the shared ownership of IP rights.
• Drafted consent forms for teachers, parents and (older) children when participating in filming in schools.
• Advised a school on the digitisation and proposed publication of their school archives.
• Advised a primary education content provider on their contracts with schools, educational groups and rights creators.
• Due diligence in preparation for sale of a chain of nurseries.
• Advised a university on intellectual property rights ownership and sharing in relation to rights created by students and employees when created on joint projects.
• Assisted a UK university with their trade mark protection work, to include advice in relation to post-Brexit issues.
• Handled the international trade mark portfolio of a public research university based in London, to include a major bad faith opposition brought against a former student and advice on trade mark protection issues as they merged with another entity.
• Handled the trade mark portfolio of a UK public school, to include helping them secure appropriate protection in other territories as they expanded overseas via a franchise model.
• Advised a UK-based stage school on trade mark and design protection issues, to include developing a multi-stage protection programme rolled out over a number of years.
• Worked with a large general further education college based in London on matters relating to the protection of their name.
• Advised a prominent public school on the international franchising of its name and other IP rights to create schools in India and other locations.
• Provided advice to a grammar school in Newcastle on the protection of its key trademarks and filing and obtaining® protection in the UK for its trade marks.
• Advised a prominent public school on the international franchising of its name and other IP rights to create schools in India and other locations.

We provide specialist advice on media-related matters within the education sector. Our lawyers assist institutions in handling media inquiries, managing crises and reputational issues, developing communication strategies, and ensuring compliance with defamation and privacy laws. Our expertise helps clients maintain positive public profiles whilst ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

• Advised award-winning digital educational film publishers for many years on the licensing of rights, protection of IP and data protection, and commercial engagement with government entities, joint ventures, data sharing agreements and private companies.
• Advised and drafted collaboration between a client and a leading university for the creation of educational films, their exploitation and the shared ownership of IP rights.

With specialist advisers on outsourcing and procurement in the education sector. Our team provide commercially focused advice to educational institutions in handling services such as catering, cleaning, and IT support. We assist clients in structuring outsourcing arrangements, conducting procurement processes, and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. Our strategic guidance helps institutions achieve value for money and maintain high service standards.

• Advised a UK university on procurement strategy and frameworks for housing and teaching blocks as well as a sports institute.
• Advised the developer and negotiated the construction documentation for a privately financed development of university student accommodation.
• Advised an Oxford University College on the procurement structure and works relating to the installation of a ground source heat pump.
• Advised a university client on the incorporation of renewable energy for its estate.

Our education lawyers advise educational establishments on planning and environment issues, including planning applications, development consent orders (DCOs), Section 106 agreements, infrastructure, and redevelopment strategy.

• Advised a London school trust on controversial proposals for a new state boarding school in the South Downs National Park.
• Advised a University of Cambridge College on the impact of a DCO application for a Lower Thames Crossing on strategic landholdings.
• Advised a University of Oxford College on development of a new student accommodation, dealing with listed building and public access issues.
• Advised a landowner on proposals for a 300-unit purpose-built student accommodation scheme in North London.
• Acted for a consortium of University of Oxford Colleges in a claim for judicial review in respect of an application of Charitable Relief under the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations.
• Acted on behalf of St Paul’s School London in connection with its redevelopment strategy.
• Lodged major objections to a proposed hotel scheme in Penn, Hertfordshire, on behalf of a high-net-worth individual, achieving significant amendments to the scheme.
• Negotiated a complex Section 106 Agreement for a major housing proposal which included the provision of a new secondary school in Kent.
• Acted for high-net-worth individuals opposing the extension of a boys’ preparatory school in Richmond.
• Dealt with the proposed change of use from offices to student accommodation in Central London for developer clients.

Our team has expert knowledge on public-private partnerships (PPP) and joint venture projects within the education sector. We advise on structuring agreements, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Our strategic guidance supports institutions in achieving successful collaborations and initiatives that enhance educational offerings and infrastructure.

• Set up a joint venture between a UK student housing developer and an investment fund to invest £400m across Europe.
• Provided advice to higher education institutions (and other research and charitable institutions) on research collaboration agreements and intellectual property licence agreements.

Identifying and managing operational risks within educational institutions requires in-depth knowledge of the education sector. We assist institutions in developing risk management frameworks, conducting compliance audits, and implementing policies that mitigate potential liabilities. Our proactive approach helps institutions maintain resilience and continuity in their operations.

• Reviewed an independent school’s terms and conditions and operational policies.
• Drafted agreement and terms and conditions relating to the operation of a private academy.
• Provided advice to an agricultural college providing higher and further education on policy reviews.
• Advised a large UK university on the development of an effective process to manage the tax, social security and payroll obligations associated with its internationally mobile staff.
• Assisted a UK university to determine its non-UK employment tax compliance obligations triggered by globally remote workers based in Italy and France.
• Provided advice to a UK institute on the development of its international mobility policy.
• Advised a Russell Group university on the UK and overseas tax, social security and payroll obligations associated with the secondment of a senior lecturer to Germany.

Educational institutions constantly face new regulatory issues and challenges. Our team of education lawyers assist in ensuring compliance with sector-specific regulations, including those related to safeguarding, data protection, and equality. Our comprehensive approach helps institutions navigate regulatory landscapes confidently and maintain high standards of governance.

• Acted for a well-respected legal professor who was based at the Legal Faculty at a leading university on copyright and contract law issues and internal university appeals procedures arising out of various unfounded plagiarism allegations.
• Advised a leading UK research institute on intellectual property rights in a database of text messages.
• Advising parents on school safeguarding issues.
• Successfully defended an award-winning multi-academy CEO against safeguarding allegations, including a successful (and rare) appeal by way of judicial review against a case management decision of the regulator (adopted by the SOS Education).
• Advised schools and colleges in connection with qualification standards.
• Provided talks on legislative changes and compliance.
• Provided guidance on public benefit requirements.

Our education lawyers provide strategic advice on research contracts within the sector. We advise institutions in negotiating agreements with funding bodies, collaborators, and commercial partners, ensuring that intellectual property rights and publication obligations are clearly defined and managed. Our meticulous approach supports successful research collaborations and protects institutional interests.

• Advised a leading UK research institute on intellectual property rights in a database of text messages.
• Advised a research institute on copyright issues relating to a website.
• Provided advice to higher education institutions (and other research and charitable institutions) on research collaboration agreements and intellectual property licence agreements. The agreements helped the institutions to get their inventions out of the lab and into use in the real world.

Our specialist team deliver pragmatic, industry-specific guidance that supports educational institutions in meeting the needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We advise on compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014, development of Education, Health and Care Plans, and implementation of inclusive practices.

• Advising on SEN matters and reasonable adjustment requirements.
• Advising parents on school safeguarding issues.
• Acted in relation to the misrepresentation of an educational, pastoral and co-curricular offering at a top independent school.
• Successfully defended a local authority after a 10-day trial against a claim for failure to educate and racial discrimination for failing to diagnose dyslexia and place a student on a statement of special educational needs.
• Advised on an appeal relating to an Education Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan).
• Managed communications between clients and a leading independent school in relation to pastoral issues.
• Advised schools on safeguarding matters.

With extensive corporate expertise and deep industry knowledge, our education lawyers ensure that spin-out ventures from educational institutions are structured effectively. Advising on intellectual property rights, shareholder agreements, and funding and investment arrangements, our guidance supports the commercialisation of research and innovation and helps institutions maximise the impact of their academic research outputs.

• Advised university spinouts on start-ups, capital raising and IP exploitation issues.
• Provided advice to higher education institutions (and other research and charitable institutions) on research collaboration agreements and intellectual property licence agreements.
• Advised a leading London university on IP commercialisation with IP Group plc.

Our education experts advise clients across the sports sector, including governing bodies, sports providers, professional sports teams, and academies, and including rugby, motorsport, snowsports, and athletics.

• Drafted contracts and policy documents for an international motorsport academy.
• Acted in a quasi in-house legal role for a leading international sports academy.
• Advised a preparatory school on issues relating to a school summer camp and the use of school facilities by third parties.
• Advised sports governing bodies, academies and race teams on safeguarding issues.
• Acted for academy players at a leading Premiership rugby club in relation to contractual matters.
• Negotiated sports and educational partnership arrangements with independent schools.
• Acted for the family of a young racing driver in relation to educational and pastoral matters and liaising on visa-related matters.
• Represented families in discussions with state and independent sector schools to confirm an educational pathway for elite athletes, including a current F1 driver.
• Represented ex-Chair of Snowsport England – role included overseeing coaching and instructing pathways and as well as junior participation in all forms of snowsport.
• Represented the family of a young international rider in relation to allegations of bullying, breach of contract and the mis-selling of the school’s equine facility.

Our education lawyers have years of experience of providing legal support across all aspects of student-related matters. We advise on disciplinary procedures, academic appeals, welfare concerns, and complaints, ensuring that institutions handle student issues fairly and in compliance with legal obligations.

• Advised higher education institutions on student complaints, including to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.
• Advised higher education institutions on student disciplinary matters including sexual misconduct.
• Advised independent schools on parental complaints and data subject access requests received from parents.
• Advised independent schools on safeguarding matters.
• Advised senior teaching staff at independent schools on parental complaints against them, safeguarding allegations made against them and dealing with referrals to the DBS and the TRA.
• Advised parents on making complaints to independent schools to challenge decisions or treatment of students.

• Advised schools and pupils on exclusions.
• Handled the appeal of a student’s exclusion from a Russell Group university.
• Advised on student appeals against grades awarded by universities.
• Advised families on bullying issues and educational negligence and related damages claims.
• Negotiated the withdrawal of a pupil from a leading public school following bullying and wider pastoral issues.
• Represented a family in relation to the appeal to the governing body challenging the expulsion of a pupil from an independent school.
• Advised in relation to serial bullying issues at a preparatory school.
• Acted for a family in relation to school admissions procedures and admissions criteria and an associated appeal against a decision made by a LEA.
• Advised on the successful appeal of an expulsion from a leading public school.
• Advising parents on school safeguarding issues.
• Advising on successful appeals of exam grading.
• Advising on appeal of university sanctions.