Working with state schools, multi-academy trusts and independent schools, VWV‘s practice spans school transactions, restructuring, employment, industrial relations, regulatory compliance and safeguarding. Barney Northover is regarded as a leading authority in the independent schools sector, covering governance, charity law and strategic matters, including mergers and acquisitions. Chloe Brunton brings considerable depth in DfE policy, academy conversions, MAT mergers and regulatory interventions into underperforming schools. Alice Reeve works with independent schools and academies on employment matters, including pay and pension reviews, whistleblowing, senior leader exits and equality issues. Naseem Nabi advises on employment law, industrial action, safeguarding, acquisitions, TUPE and restructuring. Simon Bevan has retired.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Approachable, flexible, and clear. Billing is always in line with or slightly below expectations.
- Natalie Wargent - Approachable, flexible, and clear.
- The team has worked together on many cases, bringing in expertise in different areas while nominating one point of contact for feedback to the client. In a stressful case, this has been extremely beneficial. They break down the billing in order for us to be able to allocate the invoices.
- For my area of focus, both Nick Murrell and Naseem Nabi have provided concise and balanced advice over a very long period. It feels like they are part of my team! They are personable as well as very knowledgeable and understand the wider context of the organization.
- The practice is very quick to respond to queries, especially when using our retainer. The partners and associates are always true experts in their field.
- Kris Robbetts and Alice Reeve are standout professionals, experts in safeguarding and employment matters respectively. They are measured, calm, rational, articulate, with great people skills and are easy to work with.
Key clients
- The Merchant Company Education Board
- Harris Federation
- The Harpur Trust
- Godolphin and Latymer School Foundation
- Education Index Management
- Charterhouse School
- The Skinners Company
- Cheltenham Ladies' College
- Hymers College
- Clifton College
- United Learning Trust
- London Diocesan Board for Schools
Work highlights
Advised Harrow School on the merger with leading prep school, Lockers Park, marking significant growth in the Harrow family of schools.
Acted for Treloar Trust in the Infected Blood statutory inquiry and in the defence of a Group Litigation Order by former students and their families who had haemophilia and who contracted HIV and/or hepatitis as a result of receiving infected blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.
Advised Cathedral Schools Trust and Trust in Learning (Academies) on their merger to form a new 21 school MAT called 'Amplify Education'.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Barney Northover; Chloe Brunton
Other key lawyers
Alice Reeve; Naseem Nabi