The education team at Kingsley Napley LLP acts for individuals in a range of education issues, including misconduct allegations, disability discrimination claims and disciplinary cases. Melinka Berridge spearheads the department and specialises in representing students and professionals facing investigations and disciplinary actions. Criminal defence expert Sandra Paul is sought for defending allegations of sexual offences in the education sector, and Shannett Thompson advises students on academic investigations. Another key member of the team is Alfie Cranmer, who focuses on disciplinary proceedings and safeguarding. The team was further strengthened with the arrival of Andrew Sanderson in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team was excellent from the moment we contacted them - they were immediately reassuring, understanding the high stress of the situation, and took time to work with our child. Their in-depth knowledge and experience of the sector was incredibly useful, and they were able to draw on previous cases and experiences to drive actions.’

  • ‘Alfie Cranmer was excellent - I cannot praise him highly enough. At every step of the way he supported our child, took time to explain what was going on, presented options and recommendations etc. He went above and beyond to reduce stress during an incredibly stressful period for our child and was always calm and professional. He drew time and again on experience of similar situations to negotiate accommodations and inspired confidence every step of the way.’

  • ‘The team is very conscientious and diligent with preparation. They have a fantastic research team that can pull together detailed reports on complex areas of law. Their handling of facts and law is therefore comprehensive.’

  • ‘Shannett Thompson is a star solicitor. Forensic eye for detail and produces excellent written work. She is on top of all her cases and deputies and manages her team extremely well.’

  • ‘A brilliant team with huge experience in handling the most sensitive and serious issues relating to student disciplinary matters. They draw on their extensive experience in representing professionals in disciplinary matters, which gives them a solid basis on which to assess the best way to approach student issues from a long-term perspective, particularly for students aiming for a professional qualification. ’

  • ‘Sandra Paul - the go-to solicitor for the most serious and complex student disciplinary matters. Unrivalled experience, excellent judgment and tactical sense, and brilliant with anxious clients.'

Key clients

  • Ten claimants and the Independent Schools Council (ISC)

Work highlights

Instructed by ten claimants supported by the ISC to lead a judicial review challenge to the Chancellor’s decision to impose VAT on independent school fees from January 2025.

Practice head

Melinka Berridge

Other key lawyers

Sandra Paul; Shannett Thompson; Alfie Cranmer