academy sponsorship and higher education

The number of academy schools over the last ten years has expanded rapidly. Currently over one-third of all state-maintained schools are academies. The Government is keen for higher education institutions (HEIs) to take an active role in supporting secondary education as part of its broader strategy of ‘levelling up’.

More broadly, with the development of the role of the civic university you may want to explore the way you work with, and support, schools in your local area and community.

Whether you are an existing sponsor, considering becoming a sponsor or would like a broader understanding of the academy/school sector and direction of travel our expert team can support you.

As one of the leading law firms advising schools, academy trusts and academy sponsors we have extensive experience on collaborative partnerships and sponsorship arrangements with both standalone institutions or those part of a multi-academy trust.

What we do

• Support the development of your academy sponsorship strategy and help you scan the horizon for the key issues that will impact on your approach
• Put in place robust governance structures
• Advise on risk management and exit strategies
• Establish academy trusts and put in place funding agreements with the Department for Education
• Put in place suitable contractual arrangements for the provision of any support services to the academy trust
• Support the implementation of collaborative arrangements between education providers
• The legal work required in the establishment of free schools and/or the conversion of schools and/or the transfer of existing academies.

Why choose Browne Jacobson higher education lawyers?

We are one of the leading law firms advising schools, academy trusts and academy sponsors. For more information about how we can help, please contact Nick MacKenzie.