Meet the team

Education Team

Lee Bolton Monier-Williams

London, England
0207 222 5381
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Team Services

Our Education Team is nationally recognised for its expertise and experience, which dates back to the firm’s origins in 1855.  LBMW is ranked in Legal 500 as a leading Education firm.

Our Education Team maintains active links with government, the Department for Education, General Synod, the Charity Commission and other relevant bodies. Through our role as advisers to the Church of England Education Office (otherwise known as the National Society), being the body which represents Church of England schools throughout the country, we not only respond to legislative change but are also involved in shaping it. The wealth of our experience means that we are fully equipped to address any queries raised.

We are a market leader in the provision of legal services and support to the full range of schools, academies, multi-academy trusts, chains and sponsors and other teaching institutions throughout the country, including providers of Further and Higher Education. Our litigation department has successfully acted in a number of important and ground-breaking cases affecting this sector, those recently have included Rittson- Thomas v Oxfordshire County Council and Durand Academy Trust v Ofsted.

We pass on our experience and knowledge in this sector through newsletters, briefings, seminars, workshops and conferences throughout the year, including our longstanding annual schools conference.

Schools and other educational institutions use us because of our close understanding of the complexity of interacting land, buildings, staff, policies, community relations and charitable trusts issues.

Parents and students come to us because we are best able to advocate for them from a position of knowledge and careful attention to the presenting issues.

Testimonials

‘We use LBMW for academy conversions and find their knowledge of Church School land issues superb. When a complex situation arises they have always managed to mediate a successful outcome.’

‘The whole team at LBMW are very supportive across our diverse range of legal requirements from land and land transfers and the complicated structure of our locations through to our ever increasing legal support requirement for our ongoing and increasing academisation programmes. The extensive knowledge and experience from the Education Team sets them apart from the other legal companies the Diocese uses.’

‘Ian Blaney and Jane Grenfell’s way of working and engaging with the client puts the client at ease, one feels very “safe” in their hands. I am very confident that I am being advised and guided by the very best experts in their field and at times trusts and land ownership matters relating to the education sector are minefield so it is extremely reassuring to have experts such as Ian and Jane on side.’

‘Jane Grenfell gives excellent advice on Education and Charity law, she adopts a direct approach which I value greatly. Jane guided me through a challenging academisation of a shared school site. Which was one of the longest outstanding academisations in England at the time.’

‘This practice provides expert advice in the field of education and charity law. They are extremely knowledgeable on the technicalities in these areas and have a vast experience and track record to call upon. I regularly recommend them to other potential clients.’

‘Lee Bolton Monier-Williams has been absolutely superb in the support they have given us. They have excellent knowledge and experience of the law relating to education. They have been able to think through problems and produce creative solutions, are astute at negotiating with solicitors representing partners/stakeholders on a number of issues, from land transfer through to expectations of governance.’

‘Howard Dellar’s knowledge and experience is second to none. He understands the political climate of our Trust and education in general, and his advice is always spot on.’

Awards and Recognition

Tier 3 Firm in Legal 500 Education: Schools Guide

Lee Bolton Monier-Williams is renowned for its expertise in advising a wide array of schools and a majority of the Dioceses in England and Wales. Its expertise includes school property transactions, such as complex site transfers, and on charity law issues, particularly concerning the creation of new educational charities. Team leader Howard Dellar represents charities and multi academy trusts and has a strong track record on academy conversions. Ian Blaney specialises in the intersection of charity, education and church law and works on projects for Diocesan Boards of Education; Khalid Sofi is expert in advising charities and not-for-profit organisations linked with Muslim communities; and Nishita Gudka is adept at handling commercial, education and charity property matters.

Whitepapers and Articles

In line with the other consultations being conducted about VAT and Business Rates for Independent Schools, the Welsh Government has launched a consultation on their proposed changes. The consultation will run until the 16 December 2024.

The Labour Party plans to end the VAT exemption and business rates relief for fee-paying schools. This article will address the implications of private schools becoming liable for business rates.

A recent court decision reinforces the Secretary of State’s power to order Academy conversions and highlights the high threshold a council must meet to overturn such decisions.