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
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.
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.
Key contacts
Mark Blois
Partner
Bettina Rigg
Partner
Nick MacKenzie
Partner
Emma Hughes
Partner
Dai Durbridge
Partner
Julia Green
Partner
Richard Freeth
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
An update on the independent review of university spin-out companies
Press Release
Half of school leaders think Ofsted does not have the expertise for Multi-Academy Trust inspections, according to new survey
Press Release
Our education expertise recognised in latest legal directory rankings
Legal Update
School leaders survey Autumn 2023 – the results are in!
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected - Winter 2023
Opinion
Cross-sector collaboration and civic leadership: round table insight
Guide
Education sector contracts – top 10 tips on how to get it right
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 3) - in conversation with inspiring leaders
Opinion
Overcoming barriers: Building leadership resilience in MATs
In Person Event
Claims Club - London
Legal Update - Shared Insights
Shared insights: The challenges caused by disordered eating in education, health and social care settings
Press Release
Browne Jacobson and the National Association of Head Teachers publish new guidance for faith schools faced with joining or becoming an academy trust
Legal Update - RAAC
RAAC: the tip of the iceberg for school building safety
Online Event
EdCon2024
Legal Update
Strike minimum service levels in schools and academies: Proposals for voluntary agreement
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected - Higher Education Autumn 2023
Legal Update
Improving support for disabled higher education students
Legal Update
School exclusions guidance: Managed moves between schools
Legal Update
PFI expiry - hope for the best, plan for the worst?
Legal Update
Transgender pupils and single sex schools
In Person Event
CST Trust Safeguarding Conference 2024: Courage, creativity, capacity
Legal Update
The season of goodwill: what education charities need to know
Legal Update
The commercial realities of disputes and litigation
Legal Update
Students claim contract breach for university disruption
Legal Update
Are parental complaints to schools undermining staff retention?
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected - October 2023
Legal Update
What does ‘RAAC’ mean for university campuses?
On-Demand
Changes to flexible working webinar: Opportunities for schools
Legal Update
Covering the costs of RAAC – new guidance published
Legal Update
Introducing the Estates Competency Framework
Legal Update
Academy Trust Handbook 2023: Short sharp focus
Legal Update
Admissions consultations underway: what do you need to know?
Legal Update
Pupil attendance: still a lingering issue
Legal Update
School leaders – share your views on the issues of the day
Legal Update
An update on Ofsted’s early monitoring programme: ineffective safeguarding
Legal Update
Lessons learnt: Handling a vexatious complaint - case study
Published Article - RAAC
RAAC: 5 questions to guide investigations
Legal Update
The role of Ofsted in school complaints
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Procurement Act 2023: Getting Ready for Reform - the countdown is on!
