Education sector
In a constantly changing education landscape, it’s more important than ever that you have expert support and guidance from education lawyers you can trust. Our specialist team of award-winning lawyers and HR consultants understand the competitive, challenging environment in which you operate. You need robust, cost-effective advice that’s helpful, pragmatic and helps deliver effective solutions to the challenges you face.
We support the full range of education institutions in the sector, including schools of all structures (maintained, faith and independent), academies and multi-academy trusts (MATs), further education and higher education institutions (HEIs).
As one of the largest education teams in the country we deliver a comprehensive portfolio of legal and HR services. We also draw in expertise from across our full-service law firm to assist clients with their needs – from construction projects, employment issues and funding matters, to protecting intellectual property, health and safety, and disputes.
Featured experience
Greenwood Academies Trust
Working with Greenwood Academies Trust on the commercialisation and development of their innovative cloud-powered EdTech solution for 3-19 education providers through a subsidiary company, Our Learning Cloud.
Outwood Grange Academies Trust
Supporting a consortium of leading school trusts - Outwood Grange Academies Trust, Harris Federation, Oasis Community Learning and Star Academies – on their successful bid for the DfE's Institute of Teaching tender with the contract providing them with over £120m of funding.
Key contacts
Mark Blois
Partner
Bettina Rigg
Partner
Nick MacKenzie
Partner
Emma Hughes
Partner
Dai Durbridge
Partner
Bradley Martin
Partner
Heather Mitchell
Partner
Dominic Swift
Partner
Testimonials
“I could not recommend Browne Jacobson any more highly. The quality of the service, the rapid response time and the quality of the advice given to us is by far superior to what I have encountered elsewhere."
“Browne Jacobson has continued to provide ASCL, and our members running schools and colleges across the UK, with invaluable support and advice on a wide range of legal issues. We hugely value their expert professional input and their personable approach.”
“Browne Jacobson has remained at our side as our trusted advisers throughout the entire bidding process - providing sound legal, contract and governance advice. Having been awarded the National Institute of Teaching contract, they continue to support us as we establish and mobilise this new organisation.”
“Browne Jacobson’s sector knowledge and pragmatic advice has been key in allowing us to progress with our exciting growth plans’.”
Awards and accreditations
Latest insights and events
Legal Update
Academy Trust Handbook 2025: Managing public money
Opinion
Updates to academy trust governance: A missed opportunity?
Legal Update
Executive pay and the Academy Trust Handbook: Clarity, challenge and good governance
On-Demand
School exclusions: A review of the latest developments and looking to the year ahead
Legal Update
Medr reform: What you need to know
Opinion
Pride Month: A time to review DEI
Guide
Legal project management: A cornerstone in operational delivery of inquiries
Legal Update
Data (Use and Access) Act 2025: What schools and trusts need to know
Opinion
Employer redundancy guide: Sourcing alternative employment
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson delivers record-breaking growth as strategic vision drives exceptional performance
Legal Update
What might the public inquiry on child sexual exploitation look like
Legal Update
DEI in school governance: Key themes and insights
Opinion
Spending Review: Setting the stage for UK investment
Guide
The socio-economic duty: Shifting mindsets for true social mobility
Press Release
Spending Review 2025: Browne Jacobson lawyers respond to Chancellor’s announcement
Press Release
Browne Jacobson’s School Leaders Survey illustrates concerns over financial resilience ahead of spending review
Legal Update
ESG and sustainability report: Rethinking communication and credibility
Press Release
Majority of UK organisations remain committed to sustainability and ESG, says new research
Opinion
Addressing the gender pay gap in school trusts
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 4): In conversation with inspiring leaders
Legal Update
The OfS agrees a settlement with Leeds Trinity University
Legal Update
Consultation on proposed changes to Estyn inspection regime in Wales
Press Release
Browne Jacobson’s latest School Leaders Survey to focus on schools exclusions and early years funding
Press Release
UK-EU reset deal: Comments from Browne Jacobson experts
Opinion
Disciplinary procedures and mental health: Employer considerations
Legal Update
Supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace: Practical steps for businesses
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected, higher education: Spring 2025
Published Article
Learning from Europe: Funding models for UK schools infrastructure
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected: Schools and academy trusts, May 2025
Legal Update
New novel, contentious and repercussive transactions guidance
Legal Update
Unpacking the new guidelines for alternative provision: Practical steps for education institutions and providers
Opinion
EHRC releases guidance for employers after Supreme Court ruling on definition of woman
Legal Update
Unfunded pay rise for teachers risks strikes, tension, restructures and budget crisis
Guide
Advice for schools on how to handle information requests from the police
Legal Update
2025/26 employment rates and limits: Are costs increases having a negative impact on the job market?
Legal Update
School leaders survey, summer 2025
Legal Update
Analysing new statistics on school exclusions
Legal Update
Lessons from the 2025 cyber security breaches survey for higher education
Legal Update
Safeguarding children: Effective strategies for prevention and response
