Hall Of Fame

Education in South West

Browne Jacobson LLP

Noted for its capabilities in the higher education sector, Browne Jacobson LLP also advises maintained schools, independent schools and academies on operational and strategic issues across the educational spectrum. Julia Green leads the team from the firm’s Exeter office and regularly assists schools in their transfer to academy and trust status. Bettina Rigg is particularly strong in educational mandates with a distinct employment law aspect. Other key names within the practice include Victoria Hatton, recommended for her expertise in Church of England School matters, and Daniella Glynn, who is well placed to advise on HR issues in education.

Practice head(s):

Julia Green


Other key lawyers:

Bettina Rigg; Victoria Hatton; Daniella Glynn


Key clients

An Daras Multi Academy Trust


Ansford Academy Trust


Bath & North East Somerset Council


Bath & Wells Diocesan Academy Trust


Bournemouth Poole & Christchurch Council


Brunel University


Central RSA Academies Trust


Coast Academies Trust


Colyton Grammar School


Cornwall Education Learning Trust


Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust


Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust


Diocese of Salisbury Multi Academy Trust


Durrington Multi Academy Trust


Exmouth Academy Trust


Falmouth Multi Academy Trust


Finham Park Multi Academy Trust


GLF Schools


Greengate Academy Trust


Hayes School


Heathercombe Brake Trust


Heathfield School


Horrington Primary School


Iron Mill College


Kernow Learning


Kings Langley School


Leading Edge Academies Partnership


Lighthouse Schools Partnership


Linwood School


Lion Academy Trust


Lion Education Trust


North Somerset Council


Osprey Learning Trust


Preston Primary Academy Trust


Quantock Multi Academy Trust


Raedwald Trust


Ringwood School


Severn Foundation


South Devon College


South Gloucestershire Council


Steyning Grammar School


Swindon Borough Council


The Castle Partnership


The First Federation


The Inspire Multi Academy Trust


The Levels Academy Trust


The Sentient Trust


The Youth Engagement Schools Trust


Timberley Academy Trust


Trewirgie Junior School


Twynham Learning


Uffculme Academy Trust


University of Winchester Academy Trust


Ventrus Limited


Warrington Primary Academy Trust


Wessex Learning Trust


Wessex Multi Academy Trust


Westcountry Schools Trust


Westfield School


Wimborne Academy Trust


Work highlights


  • Defending claims of disability discrimination against schools and academy trusts in the First Tier Tribunal.
  • Advising various stakeholders on a range of SEN matters.

Stone King LLP

Stone King LLP is turned to by a broad range of educational institutions on issues such as academy conversions and transfers, procurement and operational pupil issues. Latterly, the team is advising a growing number of schools on their commercial agreements. The Bath-based team is chaired by Helen Tucker, for whom school groups is a fixture of her practice focus. Her colleague Michael Brotherton handles a growing number of matters pertaining to the Equality Act 2010 while Ciara Campfield advises across schools, further and higher education mandates. Elizabeth Fortin is well versed in matters related to students with education health and care plans.

Practice head(s):

Helen Tucker


Other key lawyers:

Michael Brotherton; Ciara Campfield;  Elizabeth Fortin


Testimonials

‘Ciara Campfield is super supportive and passionate about colleges.’

‘The ongoing teamwork and support provided is second to none.’

‘Experts in their respective fields. Great customer service and understanding of the sector.’

‘This big-hitting education specialist firm still manages to retain the personal touch when dealing with clients.  Their experience in the sector is very reassuring to our organisation, particularly when it is involved in significant change.’

‘Professional, pragmatic and responsive.’

‘There is a calmness to their approach that is reassuring, particularly when legislation around our sector can change dramatically and with little warning. Other firms can appear overly corporate and therefore somehow distanced from the topic.’

‘Excellent advice. Great communication. Timely responses. Approachable lawyers who provide information in an accessible way.’

Key clients

Autism Partnership Leeds


Abbey Multi Academy Trust


Active Learning Trust


Ashlyns School


Beaconsfield High School


Beth Jacob Grammar School


Bristol Steiner School


Challoner’s High School


Chester Diocesan Academy Trust


City of Rochester School


Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust


Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust


Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust


Downside School


Dunottar School


Felsted


Futura Learning Partnership


Future Academies


Greenshaw Learning Trust


Guildford High School


Immanuel College


King Edwards’s School Bath


Kingswood School


Leigh Academies Trust


Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership


Monkton Combe School


Oasis Community Learning


Oastlers


PACE Academy Trust


Palladian Academy Trust


Peterborough Diocese Education Trust


Prep Schools Trust


Princethorpe Foundation


Prior Park College


Sheiling School


Shiplake School


Sixth Form Colleges’ Association


St John’s Beaumont School


St Columba’s College


The College of Richard Collyer


The Girls’ Day School Trust


The Partnership Trust


Thorpe Hall School


United Church Schools Trust


West Suffolk College, part of Eastern Colleges Group


Wright Robinson College


Wycombe Abbey School


VWV

VWV ’s ‘market-leading’ Bristol team acts for academies, multi-academy trusts, independent schools and universities on a range of strategic and operational matters, including work in anticipation of large-scale political and legislative shifts. The unit is also well-known in the market for schools transactions, spanning sales, purchases, and charity mergers. Barney Northover and Chloe Brunton head up the team from the firm’s Bristol office. Simon Bevan is well versed in employment and discrimination law matters, while Tabitha Cave leads on safeguarding for the firm. Chloe Brunton, Con Alexander and Naseem Nabi are additionally noted for their capabilities.

Practice head(s):

Barney Northover; Chloe Brunton


Other key lawyers:

Simon Bevan; Tabitha Cave; Chloe Brunton; Con Alexander; Naseem Nabi; Kris Robbetts; Robin Rajanah; Rachel Tonkin


Testimonials

‘The VWV Bristol team are recognised as market leading in relation to offering advice and guidance in the Independent School’s market, which stems from their deep understanding of the sector.’

‘Barney Northover has huge experience in the schools sector and the unusual ability to genuinely listen and learn from clients prior to coming forward with innovative and creative solutions.’

‘ VWV continue to be the most personable and professional in all that they do.’

‘Chloe Brunton is amongst the best.’

‘Specialists who know the area, the relevant legislation and guidance and apply all that to the problem at hand.’

‘Kris Robbetts  provides the right level of tailored advice.’

 

Key clients

Bath Spa University


Bournemouth University


New College Swindon


University of Bath


University of Bristol


University of South Wales


Cabot Learning Federation


The Priory Learning Trust


Excalibur Academies Trust


Cotham School


Truro Diocesan Board of Education


Trust in Learning (Academies)


Cathedral Schools Trust


Reach South Academy Trust


Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust


Clifton College


Bristol Grammar School


Monmouth Schools


Rugby School


Cheltenham Ladies


Pangbourne College


Cranleigh School


Badminton School


Work highlights


  • Advised on the merger of The Pathway Academy Trust and The Galaxy Trust (two multi academy trusts) to form ‘The Golden Thread Alliance’.
  • Represented the Harpur Trust from 2013 through to judgment in July 2022, in the leading holiday pay case for the education sector (and wider economy).
  • Advised the governors (charity trustees) of Moreton Hall Educational Trust Limited on their duties and responsibilities and helped them find an investor to avoid closure.
     

Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon LLP‘s strong focus on university-driven mandates is complemented by work for governing institutions such as OFSTED and providers of work-based training and apprenticeships – an area of growing activity for the firm. Matthew Ramus, who leads the Bristol education team, frequently works with the Department for Education on education and children’s services transition projects, among other matters. Luke Bowery‘s contentious and non-contentious expertise notably covers employment tribunal claims, while John Houlden frequently advises on procurement issues for major education projects.  Huw Cooke is recommended for his business immigration expertise.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Ramus


Other key lawyers:

Luke Bowery; John Houlden; Huw Cooke


Testimonials

‘Customer service; knowledge and expertise; reliability.’

‘Accessible, friendly, know our business.’

 

Key clients

Guernsey registered non-profit


The Department for Education


University of Bristol


The Safeguarding Company Limited


Ascent


Trustees of the Cardiff University Pension Fund


QS


Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Children’s Trust Limited


Shareholders of Firebrand Training


Bud Systems


W H Ireland Ltd


Gemba


University of Exeter


York St John University


University of Oxford


University of the West of England


Bath Spa University


Cardiff University


OFSTED


Office for Students


Reading Borough Council


Work highlights


  • Advised central and local government on Children’s Services restructuring programmes and “Alternative Delivery Models” for over 9 years.
  • Advising the University of Bristol in connection with a new £300m campus development in Bristol city centre.
  • Advised the trustees of the Cardiff University Pension Fund on a proposal by the sponsoring employer to make benefit changes to the scheme.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Harrison Clark Rickerbys' significant record in the independent schools sector is exemplified by its frequent and varied work for the Independent Schools Bursar’s Association.  The broad practice spans teachers’ pensions, safeguarding issues, mergers and the sale of publicly funded land. ‘Stand-out lawyer’ Kristine Scott heads the Cheltenham-based team; her recent areas of focus include issues relating to national strike action and school inspections. Rachel Parkin‘s practice spans restructuring, disciplinary action, and senior severance advisory. Morgan West and Paul Watkins are further key contacts to note.

Practice head(s):

Kristine Scott


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Parkin; Morgan West; Hannah Wilding; Oliver Daniels; Paul Watkins


Testimonials

‘HCR are incredibly knowledgable on the education sector. They are professional and offer wise advice which is practical and useful. ’

‘Oliver Daniels really stands out individually regarding the work he completed for our school. He is calm, measured, professional and extremely knowledgable. Krissie Scott is also superb.’

‘Rachel Parkin and Hannah Wilding have been invaluable in helping us work through some very complex staffing issues in this last year.’

‘The Education Team are market leading, regularly providing timely and pragmatic advice on a range of complex cases.’

‘Kristine Scott is the stand-out lawyer of her field. She always makes time to speak with her clients personally.’

‘Expert knowledge of the sector and the issues facing independent schools. They keep schools up to date with responsive bulletins on hot topics, with sufficient detail.’

‘Kristine Scott is collaborative, pragmatic and understands the big picture for all issues facing schools’

‘I have worked closely with Oliver Daniels on a number of matters and he is always very knowledgeable and practical with the advice provided.’

Key clients

The Independent Schools’ Bursars Association


Canford School


St Mary’s School Ascot


Headington School


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


  • Provided advice and guidance to the ISBA over the past year and advised on significant issues for the education sector.
  • Provided detailed and tailored training to Headington School which formed part of the school’s evidence when inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
  • Assisted St Edward’s School, Cheltenham in seeking a potential buyer or merging partner as well as providing legal advice on the actual sale or merger.

PHP Law LLP

Described by clients as ‘a legal team with real heart and personality’, PHP Law LLP advises on PFI projects and procurement as well as providing strategic support to local authorities, school trusts and college trusts. The practice is jointly led by Antony Power, Laura Partridge, Russell Holland and Josie Medforth. Jason Stanley leverages his knowledge of property law on mandates such as school site acquisitions.

Practice head(s):

Antony Power; Laura Partridge; Russell Holland; Josie Medforth


Other key lawyers:

Jason Stanley


Testimonials

‘A friendly and knowledgeable team with an abundance of experience working in the education sector.’

‘Antony Power and Laura Partridge go the extra mile to ensure the client is kept up to date and well informed.’

‘Very strong in the education sector – deep and broad knowledge of law and practice.’

‘Antony Power is organised, has strong interpersonal skills and is a great conciliator.’

‘This is a legal team with a real heart and personality. The partners have a wide background in all aspects of education law, from the complexities of special needs work through to the most tricky of academy work.’

‘Laura Partridge was an absolute stand-out partner to work with.’

‘PHPLaw are specialists in the education sector who take the time to get to know your school context and build relationships, we always feel secure in the advice they are giving because of that.’

‘The key selling points are the partners availability, calm and measured approach. Across the firm, you have depth of knowledge.’

Key clients

Grove Learning Partnership


Embark Multi Academy Trust


Central Co-operative Learning Trust


Esteem Multi Academy Trust


Equals Academy Trust


Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust


The Academy for Character and Excellence


Link Academy Trust


St Christopher’s C of E MAT


Callywith College Trust


Dorset Council


Aspire Academy Trust


The Academy for Character and Excellence


Extoll Academy Trust


South West Institute for Teaching


TEAM Multi Academy Trust


Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust


The First Federation Trust


Otterpool Park PLC


PGL Training


Delt Shared Services Limited


Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust


Torquay Girls Grammar School


Transforming Futures Multi Academy Trust Limited


Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust


Acorn Multi Academy Trust


Riviera Education Trust


Ashfordby Hill Academy Trust


The Rise Partnership Trust


Reading Borough Council


Budehaven Community School


Fusion School Services Limited


The Bude Communities Schools Trust


Great Learners Trust


The First Federation Trust


Academies Enterprise Trust


Castle Gate Legal & Commercial Ltd


WAVE Multi Academy Trust


The Stour Academy Trust


Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust


Truro and Penwith Academy Trust


Learning Academy Partnership (South West)


Academy for Character and Excellence


WAVE Multi Academy Trust


Southerly Point Co-operative MAT


Uffculme Academy Trust


Ventrus MAT


Tarka Learning Partnership


Work highlights


  • Advised Academies Enterprise Trust in relation to a procurement challenge.
  • Advised Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust on the descoping of a schools PFI project.
  • Advised Southerly Point Co-operative Multi Academy Trust on a rebrokerage.

Wilsons

Frequently sought out by clients from the independent schools sector, Wilsons‘ education offering encompasses advice on employment law and governance issues, while the team also handle a wide range of disputes. Debbie Ashenhurst, who divides her time between Salisbury and Wiltshire, leads the team and counts disputes, data protection and reputation management among her practice strengths. Jennifer Martindale frequently assists schools with fee recoveries.

Practice head(s):

Debbie Ashenhurst


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Martindale


Work highlights