Browne Jacobson LLP‘s education practice is recognised for advising a variety of schools and academies on a wide range of issues such as school mergers, data protection, safeguarding, OFSTED investigations and discrimination cases. The practice is led by Nick MacKenzie, who has significant experience in the education sector and specialises in corporate and governance advice, splitting his time between London and Birmingham. Charlotte Antoniou has extensive expertise in advising maintained schools, academies, multi-academy trusts and various other bodies in data protection, SEN issues and exclusions. The Nottingham-based Mark Blois handles various governance matters, whilst Polly O’Malley advises on the employment matters in the education sector. Dai Durbridge, in Manchester, specialises in safeguarding and data protection issues. Julia Green left the firm in 2025.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Browne Jacobson provides our members with expert insight and nuanced and careful guidance to provide support to areas of need. Browne Jacobson is always on hand to provide support, share their knowledge and expertise and go above and beyond regularly.
‘Nick MacKenzie and Dai Durbridge have been instrumental in our work in the safeguarding space.'
‘The firm has significantly invested in technology, client service and developed a strong culture of outstanding and pragmatic legal advice and good old-fashioned common sense. ’
‘Polly O'Malley is excellent. Her advice is first-class and directly relevant to the education sector. When she provides advice, it aligns with statutory guidance such as keeping children safe in education and the academy trust handbook.’
‘The team at Browne Jacobson is exceptional in the education sector, as they understand the law as you would expect. Still, they go beyond this knowledge and advise on applying the law and how it impacts you as a client. They provide excellent legal advice for the file, so you have a good line of sight when deciding.’
‘They have taken the time to understand our education business and provide a tailored service that meets our needs. Dai Durbridge is the partner we deal with, and he ensures we get the right legal expertise we need. He is also an excellent counsel on a wide range of legal matters.’
'Superb knowledge of education law and regulation and a very responsive retainer service.'
'Responsive, supportive, solutions-focused.'
Key clients
- Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
- Chiltern Learning Trust
- Cornwall Education Trust
- David Ross Education Trust
- Diverse Academies Trust
- Elliot Foundation Academies Trust
- Flying High Trust
- Girls’ Day School Trust
- Greenwood Academies Trust
- Headington Rye Oxford
- Hope Sentamu Learning Trust York
- Meridian Trust
- Outwood Grange Academies Trust
- REAch2 Academy Trust
- Shaw Education Trust
- Teaching Regulation Agency
- Trinity Multi Academy Trust
Lawyers
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Leading associates
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Hayley O’Sullivan
Practice head
Nick MacKenzie
Other key lawyers
Charlotte Antoniou; Mark Blois; Polly O'Malley; Dai Durbridge; Hayley O'Sullivan