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ARTICLE · 25 SEPTEMBER 2025

Construction Contract Limitation Periods: A Guide For Schools

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When entering into construction contracts, schools and academy trusts have two main options for execution: "under hand" agreements or "deeds".

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Felicity Zakers
Felicity Zakers

When entering into construction contracts, schools and academy trusts have two main options for execution: "under hand" agreements or "deeds".

When schools and academy trusts enter into construction contracts, they have two primary execution options: contracts signed "under hand" (standard agreements) or contracts executed as "deeds".

In this article, we outline how understanding this choice is crucial for protecting your educational institution's legal interests.

What additional formalities are required for deeds?

Most contracts are signed under hand using standard procedures. However, deeds require additional formalities - they must clearly state they are deeds, be sealed or signed by authorised persons (potentially with witnesses), and be delivered to take effect.

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