Engaged by a number of independent schools, Moore Barlow‘s offering spans employment, safeguarding, pastoral matters, discrimination, mergers, school closures, data protection, immigration and commercial contracts. The firm is noted for its recent prominent focus on TPS-related issues, union recognition and school collaborations. Practice head Joanna Lada-Walicki advises on complex employment and pastoral matters, including safeguarding, discrimination and abuse allegations. Ben Collingwood covers employment, SEND, safeguarding and child personal data, including child-on-child abuse cases. Paul Ridout advises independent and faith schools alongside other charity clients. Olivia Stanton advises on employment, safeguarding, abuse allegations, data protection and TPS withdrawal.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- We never feel that we are dealing with anything other than a human being in all cases. There is a very strong personal approach to all challenges, large or small. That personal engagement and approach cuts through all cases and builds confidence in the partnership approach.
- A responsive, professional, and understanding firm that continually demonstrates that they have the depth and breadth of professional expertise to deal with the broad and varied portfolio of challenges offered by a modern independent school. The firm is innovative in approach, professional and timely in response, and reliable in advice and guidance. A trusted partner.
- Excellent understanding and knowledge of the Independent Education Sector.
- Highly responsive, efficient, and capable. We always receive first-class advice.
- Standout partners and team members at Moore Barlow include Joanna Lada-Walicki, Ben Collingwood, Olivia Stanton, George Shepherd, and Paul Ridout. I appreciate that they all know me and my team very well and that they go above and beyond to provide outstanding support.
- The team at Moore Barlow is incredibly knowledgeable and responsive - they are very quick to come back to emails or phone calls, and they always provide and adhere to a timeline for a full response. They really take the time to get to know and stay connected with us as clients. Because of this, when we need rapid legal support, they are able to provide targeted advice that meets our needs.
Key clients
- The Girl’s Day School Trust
- Bede’s
- Royal Grammar School, Guildford
- Seaford College
- St Albans Education Group
- Charterhouse School Group
- St Swithun’s School
- Queen’s Gate School
- West Buckland School
- Great Walstead School
- King Edward’s School, Witley
- Royal Russell School
Work highlights
Advised Birkdale School on the de-merger and transfer of St Anselm’s School to a group of parents and supporters in order to keep the school open.
Advised St Albans Education Group (STAEG) on its acquisition of Palmers’ Green High School (PGHS), advising throughout the merger process and supporting them on the steps towards PGHS’s closure.
Advised Box Hill School in a fast-paced merger with Reigate Grammar School, which saw the school rebranded as RGS Surrey Hills.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Joanna Lada-Walicki
Other key lawyers
Ben Collingwood; Paul Ridout; Olivia Stanton