Back to rankings
England - London • Public sector
3

Education: schools

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP logo

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

More information
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has a deep expertise in the education sector, advising schools and colleges on a broad range of education matters such as employment, governance, safeguarding, SEN and discrimination cases. The practice operates under the leadership of the Reading-based Gemma Woodhouse, who advises education clients on contentious and non-contentious employment matters and safeguarding. Immigration specialist Hazar El-Chamaa has significant experience advising educational establishments on child student visas. The team is supported by Victoria Spires and Laura Nichol, who have in-depth experience in the employment sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A highly able multidisciplinary team with a good crossover between employment and education, which is of great value in their work for schools. They really know the sector and it shows in their work.’

  • ‘Gemma Woodhouse - partner - really exceptional; works very hard for her clients; wonderfully pragmatic, great knowledge of the law and a pleasure to work with.'

  • 'Laura Nichol - very hard working, highly responsive, very thoughtful about her work.’

  • ‘Gemma Woodhouse is an excellent legal advisor. Highly professional and an expert in her field, she responds extremely promptly, which is often crucial.’

  • ‘Unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the sector. Excellent personal contact and care throughout difficult situations.’

  • ‘Gemma Woodhouse is superb. She understands the deep complexities of the education sector and the nuances needed when dealing with different stakeholders.’

Key clients

  • Reed’s School
  • University College School
  • Wellington College
  • Licensed Trade Charity
  • Minerva Virtual Academy
  • Sylvia Young Theatre School
  • Falkner House
  • St John’s Preparatory School
  • Mander Portman Woodward
  • Haberdasher’s Aske Schools
  • Francis Holland School
  • Town Close School

Work highlights

Advising an independent school in relation to a claim for disability discrimination from a pupil, including an appeal to the Upper Tier Tribunal.
Advising an independent school in relation to withdrawing from TPS.
Assisting a large independent school with the threat of judicial review following allegations of breach of contract and threat of withdrawal.

Practice head

Gemma Woodhouse

Other key lawyers

Hazar El-Chamaa; Victoria Spires; Laura Nichol