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Sector Support
Education Law
A leading provider of legal and HR advice to schools, academies and higher educational establishments.
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A multi-disciplinary team of lawyers from across our firm work together to provide specialist expertise for the education sector.
We support schools, colleges, universities, academies and MATs, spanning areas of expertise such as property, employment, corporate, commercial and regulatory law.
Why choose our Education team?
Our lawyers deliver added-value solutions that will help protect your establishment and support your needs so that you can focus on your primary objective; education.
We take the time to get to know your establishment, working in collaboration. This enables us to provide you with strategic and effective tactics that are tailored to your organisation.
Many of our Education team are also school governors, so we understand the specific challenges that educational establishments and governors face. This knowledge informs our legal work so that we can deliver enhanced support that meets your needs.
We use systems that support time, resource and cost efficiency. We structure our fees in a way that best suits our clients, with total transparency, and often work on retainer arrangements.
As a Brachers client, you will also have access to a programme of free education-focused forums, seminars and training courses. These deliver valuable legal updates and practical solutions to make sure you stay ahead of changes in your sector.
We also have the benefit of the significant education sector experience within our sister company Kent HR, a specialist HR consultancy. This allows us to offer a wider range of services to educational establishments.
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Retained Legal and HR Services for the Education Sector
Recognition of our expertise
We are a regional market leader in the education sector and have been ranked in the top tier of leading legal directory The Legal 500 for our work in the public sector, including education.
Partner Catherine Daw and other team members Colin Smith and Abigail Brightwell are rated as ‘Recommended Lawyers’ in the 2024 directory.
Catherine Daw has also been recognised in the Chambers and Partners 2021 directory for her expertise in employment law, including her work in education.
We are one of very few firms who are appointed to supply employment and HR services to schools in London and the South East through our 2buy2 accreditation. The accreditation process assesses our ability to provide legal support that reaches a high standard of quality and expertise and recognises our specialist commitment and knowledge.
Find out more about our awards, accreditations and partnerships.
Meet our clients
Hear from our client Five Acre Wood School about why they work with us.
How we can help
Simply expand the sections below for more information on the services and support available to you.
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Academy conversions and free schools
Obtaining academy or free school status is an exciting opportunity for schools to gain more independence and make positive changes.
We understand that every academy and free school will have unique needs and ambitions. We tailor our services to meet your individual aims and aspirations.
We’ve already helped many schools to achieve an efficient transition and to deliver academy and free school projects on time and budget.
Find out more about our services for academies and free schools.
Development and expansion
The chance to build new schools and colleges or to refurbish old ones is a huge opportunity. But it can also be very complicated.
Our specialist property, construction and planning lawyers can help with every step of the process to get the right outcome for your establishment.
Find out more about our legal support for development and expansion of schools.
Education Matters Forum
Our regular forum, held in collaboration with accountancy firm Kreston Reeves, explores key developments and challenges in education.
Find out more about the Education Matters Forum and how to participate.
Freedom of Information and data protection
Our education and data protection specialists frequently advise schools and colleges on data access and Freedom of Information requests.
We understand how to comply with legislation, while balancing safeguarding issues and the protection of others’ personal data.
Find out more about our data protection advice for schools.
Governance, complaints and appeals
Our legal experts have extensive experience in advising schools on governance structures and supporting with appeals.
If complaints are raised, we can help you manage the issue and ensure you are following your complaints policy and any general safeguarding and legal principles. If the complaint is taken further, we can provide trusted, confidential legal advice.
Find out more about governance, complaints and appeals law in education.
Purchasing goods and services for schools
We encourage schools to use our knowledge and experience from advising NHS Trusts, SMEs and multi-national companies on purchasing goods and services.
Our commercial law experts can advise on agreements, procurement procedures and any disputes that arise.
Find out more our legal advice for purchasing goods and services.
School premises
Whether you need support with leases, shared use agreements, tenancy disputes, construction contracts or capital projects, our team can support you.
Our Education team includes specialists in commercial property and construction law who have extensive experience in advising schools on the management and refurbishment of their premises and the construction of new buildings or extensions.
Find out more about our legal advice for school premises.
Staff management
Our employment law specialists have in-depth expertise on all employment law matters affecting schools.
We also offer an integrated employment law and HR support service through our sister company Kent HR.
We can provide a range of retainers so that you can access advice quickly, with a clear understanding of the costs.
Find out more about staff management in education.
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How to contact us
Our Education solicitors are based in Maidstone and Canterbury and are ready to help with any legal advice you need.
You can call us on 01622 690691, email us or use the contact form on this page.
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Get in touch
Please fill out the below form or alternatively you can call us on 01622 690691
Contact form
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Expertise
Useful Resources
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I was well informed throughout, his advice was excellent
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Chambers High Net Worth GuideThe empathy and reassurance provided during proceedings was of a highly personal nature.
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Chambers High Net Worth GuideThey have a very friendly and personal style. They are always professional, helpful and available.